It’s common knowledge that winter is prime time for illnesses like colds and flu.
This year there’s a quadruple threat circulating: High levels of flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus.
Some are calling this simultaneous high transmission of all four viruses a “quad-demic.”
“There is high activity for all of these viruses, so it’s important to be aware and take steps to protect yourself and your family,” said Jennifer Grant, MD, system medical director for Infection Prevention and Control at Endeavor Health.
With all those viruses making the rounds, this is what you should know to stay healthy.
Flu, COVID & RSV
Three of the viruses — flu, COVID-19 and RSV — are respiratory viruses and spread from person to person through germ-filled droplets of fluid from an infected person’s nose or mouth.
If a sick person coughs or sneezes without covering their face, others can inhale the droplets or touch something the droplets landed on, then touch their own nose or mouth.
Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV have many of the same symptoms, mainly:
- Cough
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Fever and/or chills
COVID-19 can also cause vomiting or diarrhea as well as temporary loss of smell or taste.
Healthy older children, teens and adults do not have a high risk for serious illness from RSV, but babies, young children and people over age 75 could face hospitalization and even death from an RSV infection. In very young infants with RSV, their only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
“RSV is very common. Almost everyone has had RSV by age 2,” Dr. Grant said. “But, like flu and COVID, this virus can cause serious illness in people with a weakened immune system.”
Norovirus
Norovirus is a common, very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis (also known as “stomach flu”). Almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of a norovirus infection.
Symptoms typically begin 1 or 2 days after the virus enters your body, usually after someone is exposed to the tiny germ-filled particles from an infected person’s feces or vomit.
This can happen when someone eats or drinks something contaminated with the particles, touches something with the particles on it, then touches their mouth, or has direct contact with someone who’s infected through taking care of them or sharing their eating utensils.
The symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Stomachache
Norovirus must run its course and clear on its own, as there is no medication to treat it. Luckily, most people feel better within a day or two.
How to avoid getting sick
Vaccines are a good place to start when it comes to reducing your risk of illness. It’s not too late to get a flu shot, COVID-19 booster and, if you’re in a high-risk group, an RSV vaccine.
The CDC recommends infants, young children and everyone age 75 and older get vaccinated against RSV, as well as adults ages 60-74 with weakened immune systems or chronic illness.
Getting vaccinated doesn’t guarantee you won’t get infected, but it can help lessen the severity of symptoms and help prevent hospitalization or death.
As for norovirus, good personal hygiene and home cleanliness will go a long way toward preventing infection.
“Norovirus particles can stay infectious on surfaces for some time, which makes it very easy to catch if you aren’t vigilant about hand washing and cleaning surfaces,” Dr. Grant said.
Take these steps to increase your chances of staying healthy:
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Cover your mouth (with a tissue or into your elbow) when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Get vaccinated
- Clean or disinfect shared surfaces or commonly touched items if someone in your household is sick
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