Exclusive insights from doctors on the frightening “quad-demic” threat this winter
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As the winter chill sets in and the festive season beckons, a new health concern is emerging that could put a damper on our holiday spirits.
Dubbed the “quad-demic,” this potential health crisis involves a simultaneous surge in viral infections that could strain our healthcare system and challenge our resilience.
Should you stay warm indoors or would it be alright to battle the icy winter? Let's unpack what the “quad-demic” entails and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
The term “quad-demic” refers to the simultaneous rise in cases of influenza (flu), COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and norovirus. A combination of all these could possibly affect you all at once.
These viruses are not strangers to our immune systems, but their potential collective impact is a cause for concern, especially among older adults who may be more vulnerable.
Many people have been choosing to stay indoors to avoid the cold, then decide to meet over the Christmas and New Year period–therefore making the infections more common.
Since fewer people have received the COVID and flu boosters in 2024, experts fear a rise in hospitalization, adding pressure on the health system.
Dr. Joe Bresee, a seasoned infectious diseases expert with a history at the CDC, has highlighted the seasonal nature of these viruses, noting that we can expect an uptick in cases during the colder months.
The convergence of these illnesses could lead to what are known as epidemics, localized outbreaks that could overwhelm hospitals and healthcare providers.
He remarked, “We know these viruses are coming, we see them increase every year. We are in store for increases in circulation in these four over the next couple of months and that would cause what we call epidemics [outbreaks].”
Doctors are issuing this warning since vaccination rates are lower compared to previous years, especially for the flu–rates are at almost only 35% for people over 18. The recommended protective level is at least 70%.
Dr. Bresee added that they are “seeing increases in three of the main infectious diseases. Right now, RSV is ticking up but it hasn't peaked yet, flu is increasing but still low, we would expect that to peak around January to March, and norovirus is increasing, with infections expected to peak around January.”
Meanwhile, COVID is expected to start increasing by January. He owes this increase to people getting back on planes and traveling for the holiday season.
Surveillance data is already showing worrying signs. Flu hospitalizations are on the rise, and RSV hospitalizations have more than doubled in a month.
Norovirus outbreaks are also increasing, with reported cases surpassing levels not seen since 2012. While COVID-19 cases remain relatively low, experts anticipate a rise post-holiday season.
Around 3.9% of COVID tests detected the virus in the week to November 26, with the numbers rising to 5.4% as of the week to December 7.
Hospitalization for illnesses similar to the flu are also increasing, reaching up to 14% in the week to December 7 compared to the 2.9% two weeks prior to that.
Vaccines are a critical line of defense, bolstering our immune response and reducing the severity of illnesses. Dr. Bresee and Dr. Bill Schaffner, another infectious diseases expert, are urging people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
For those over 75, the RSV vaccine is also recommended, with its high efficacy in preventing severe illness. However, uptake remains low, with less than half of the eligible population having received the vaccine.
In addition to vaccinations, some health experts are advocating for the return of face masks, especially for older individuals or those with compromised immune systems.
While the effectiveness of masks has been debated, they can provide an extra layer of protection against airborne droplets that spread flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
As we face the possibility of a “quad-demic,” it's essential to look out for one another. Share this information with friends and family, and encourage vaccination and preventive measures within your community.
Do you have any unique tips for staying healthy during the winter or questions about the “quad-demic”? We invite you to join the conversation in the comments below!
Dubbed the “quad-demic,” this potential health crisis involves a simultaneous surge in viral infections that could strain our healthcare system and challenge our resilience.
Should you stay warm indoors or would it be alright to battle the icy winter? Let's unpack what the “quad-demic” entails and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
The term “quad-demic” refers to the simultaneous rise in cases of influenza (flu), COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and norovirus. A combination of all these could possibly affect you all at once.
These viruses are not strangers to our immune systems, but their potential collective impact is a cause for concern, especially among older adults who may be more vulnerable.
Doctors have warned of a potential “quad-demic” this winter with four viral infections, including flu and COVID, expected to rise. Image source: Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio.
Many people have been choosing to stay indoors to avoid the cold, then decide to meet over the Christmas and New Year period–therefore making the infections more common.
Since fewer people have received the COVID and flu boosters in 2024, experts fear a rise in hospitalization, adding pressure on the health system.
Dr. Joe Bresee, a seasoned infectious diseases expert with a history at the CDC, has highlighted the seasonal nature of these viruses, noting that we can expect an uptick in cases during the colder months.
The convergence of these illnesses could lead to what are known as epidemics, localized outbreaks that could overwhelm hospitals and healthcare providers.
He remarked, “We know these viruses are coming, we see them increase every year. We are in store for increases in circulation in these four over the next couple of months and that would cause what we call epidemics [outbreaks].”
Doctors are issuing this warning since vaccination rates are lower compared to previous years, especially for the flu–rates are at almost only 35% for people over 18. The recommended protective level is at least 70%.
Dr. Bresee added that they are “seeing increases in three of the main infectious diseases. Right now, RSV is ticking up but it hasn't peaked yet, flu is increasing but still low, we would expect that to peak around January to March, and norovirus is increasing, with infections expected to peak around January.”
Meanwhile, COVID is expected to start increasing by January. He owes this increase to people getting back on planes and traveling for the holiday season.
Surveillance data is already showing worrying signs. Flu hospitalizations are on the rise, and RSV hospitalizations have more than doubled in a month.
Norovirus outbreaks are also increasing, with reported cases surpassing levels not seen since 2012. While COVID-19 cases remain relatively low, experts anticipate a rise post-holiday season.
Around 3.9% of COVID tests detected the virus in the week to November 26, with the numbers rising to 5.4% as of the week to December 7.
Hospitalization for illnesses similar to the flu are also increasing, reaching up to 14% in the week to December 7 compared to the 2.9% two weeks prior to that.
Vaccines are a critical line of defense, bolstering our immune response and reducing the severity of illnesses. Dr. Bresee and Dr. Bill Schaffner, another infectious diseases expert, are urging people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
For those over 75, the RSV vaccine is also recommended, with its high efficacy in preventing severe illness. However, uptake remains low, with less than half of the eligible population having received the vaccine.
In addition to vaccinations, some health experts are advocating for the return of face masks, especially for older individuals or those with compromised immune systems.
While the effectiveness of masks has been debated, they can provide an extra layer of protection against airborne droplets that spread flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
As we face the possibility of a “quad-demic,” it's essential to look out for one another. Share this information with friends and family, and encourage vaccination and preventive measures within your community.
Do you have any unique tips for staying healthy during the winter or questions about the “quad-demic”? We invite you to join the conversation in the comments below!
