Health
Has a ‘quademic’ hit the US? 4 viral infections and what to know about them
Four viruses are circulating in the U.S., sparking concerns of a possible “quademic.”
Influenza, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus are all at “very high levels” around the country, according to Samuel Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston.
“We are in the middle of a very serious situation with respect to circulating pathogens,” he told Fox News Digital.
ANYONE OVER 50 SHOULD BE GETTING THESE 5 VACCINES, DOCTORS SAY
“Based on data from our national wastewater surveillance system, some parts of the country, such as Boston, seem to be entering the peak for all four diseases, but in other areas, cases are still rising,” Scarpino added.
There are vaccines currently available for COVID, flu and RSV, but not for norovirus — although there is an mRNA vaccine in development, one expert pointed out. (iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, noted that it is currently peak respiratory virus season.
“It is not a ‘quad-demic,’ per se, just a lot of respiratory viruses and bacteria at once,” he said to Fox News Digital.
On top of the four viruses, Siegel warned of some bacterial outbreaks that can cause respiratory illness, such as mycoplasma, pertussis and strep.
Viruses by the numbers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an 18.8% positivity rate for flu tests for the week ending Jan. 11, stating that “seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across most of the country.”
There were also 11 pediatric deaths related to influenza, bringing the total to 27 deaths this season, the agency stated.
“We are in the middle of a very serious situation with respect to circulating pathogens.”
COVID-19 was at a 6.6% test positivity as of Jan. 11, with 1.3% of emergency room visits resulting in a diagnosis and 1.8% of all deaths linked to the virus, per CDC data.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus, which is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs, nose and throat) has a test positivity of 8.9%.
With the onset of these common seasonal viruses, one doctor said it’s important for patients to have a “great relationship” with a primary care physician. (iStock)
Cases of norovirus, more commonly known as the stomach bug, are also surging.
Between August 1 and Dec. 11, 2024, there were 495 norovirus outbreaks reported in the U.S., compared to 363 in the same time period last year, according to the CDC.
Differentiating between viruses
Kenneth Perry, MD, an emergency physician in South Carolina, said his hospital has recently seen an uptick in emergency department visits tied to these infections.
“From cough to nasal congestion and even fever, it is difficult to differentiate between the discrete viruses,” he told Fox News Digital. “For most people, knowing which virus they have is purely an academic discussion. For some patients, however, the specific virus is very important.”
CASES OF NOROVIRUS (STOMACH BUG) SKYROCKET IN US
The possibility of someone having all four viruses at once is very low, Perry said — “but it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility for people to have two or even three at the same time.”
Siegel agreed that with multiple viruses circulating, it can be a challenge for practicing internists and infectious disease specialists to tell the difference.
“It is not a ‘quad-demic,’ per se, just a lot of respiratory viruses and bacteria at once,” Dr. Marc Siegel said to Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“Respiratory panels at hospitals, urgent care centers and labs can be helpful to distinguish between them,” he said.
There are combined rapid tests available that simultaneously screen for two types of influenza and COVID, Scarpino pointed out.
Potential risk factors
“Of the four viruses in widespread circulation, all post a unique risk of severe illness in the elderly,” Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, told Fox News Digital.
RSV poses unique risks for infants, experts agree.
“Of the four viruses in widespread circulation, all post a unique risk of severe illness in the elderly.”
“For young infants, breathing through their nose is imperative in order to eat, and RSV can cause severe amounts of nasal congestion,” Perry warned. This congestion can disrupt babies’ ability to consume enough calories, he added.
For norovirus, dehydration can become a “major problem,” according to Perry.
“Again, young infants who cannot have water or sports drinks to help maintain hydration can be most susceptible.”
There are combined rapid tests available that simultaneously screen for two types of influenza and COVID. (iStock)
Long COVID is a “significant concern” for most adults, according to Glanville, “as the chronic disorder is yet to be fully understood and effective treatments have yet to be developed.”
Scarpino noted that influenza has historically been a leading cause of death in the U.S.
AS BIRD FLU SPREADS, CDC RECOMMENDS FASTER ‘SUBTYPING’ TO CATCH MORE CASES
“Despite us being more used to worrying about COVID these days, it’s important to take the flu very seriously,” he added.
People with underlying risk factors are at a higher risk of severe illness for all four viruses, Scarpino added.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent these four circulating viruses, Glanville recommends getting vaccinated when available, avoiding contact with those who are infected, and following proper sanitation practices.
“The best thing you can do to keep from getting any of these viruses is to keep your hands clean,” Perry advised. “Washing hands especially after touching public surfaces is going to be the best way to keep from getting any of these viruses.”
“The best thing you can do to keep from getting any of these viruses is to keep your hands clean,” an emergency room physician advised. (iStock)
There are vaccines currently available for COVID, flu and RSV, but not for norovirus — although there is an mRNA vaccine in development, Scarpino pointed out.
“Even in places where cases have started falling, we’re far from being out of the woods, so there’s still time to get vaccinated,” he said.
For those who contract any of the viruses, Siegel recommends focusing on hydration, getting plenty of rest and carefully monitoring symptoms.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
People who are sick should stay home, avoid interacting directly with others and wear masks in close quarters, the doctor advised.
Perry pointed out that flu and COVID are “cyclical” in their level of severity.
“The best thing you can do to keep from getting any of these viruses is to keep your hands clean.”
“There are years when the flu virus is very mild, and others when it is more virulent,” he told Fox News Digital. “The same goes for COVID, as we saw with the different variants that were present throughout the pandemic.”
With the onset of these common seasonal viruses, Perry said it’s important for patients to have a “great relationship” with a primary care physician.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“This way, their risk category is well-known to their doctor and they can easily get the correct care for their health, even if they get one of these viruses.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT
This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Amid warnings of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms.
As of July 6, the New York City Health Department had confirmed 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations associated with the respiratory infection. No deaths have been reported.
NYC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL PARK AREA
Officials are investigating contaminated cooling towers as the likely source. They have emphasized that the illness is not spread person-to-person and is not linked to the city’s drinking water.
Health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups. (iStock)
“Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin in a press release. “New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
What is Legionnaires’?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC.
RARE TICK-BORNE VIRUS TURNS DEADLY FAST AS US CASES REACH RECORD HIGH, EXPERTS WARN
That can include shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems.
When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill.
Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically transmitted among people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of infection
Infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Long Island, New York.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms. (iStock)
“Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain,” Handel previously told Fox News Digital.
“Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early.”
The signs are similar to other types of pneumonia, and include the following:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches and headaches
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention
A medical professional can diagnose the infection with laboratory tests and chest X-rays.
The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required for breathing support and IV hydration.
Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a healthcare facility, according to the CDC.
The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC. (iStock)
“Treatment needs to be early and aggressive,” Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an Arizona-based integrative medicine expert, previously told Fox News Digital. “Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment.”
Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals… but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease,” Goodyear said.
Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires’ disease.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk.
“New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,” city officials stated. (iStock)
To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires’, Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to “aggressively support” chronic pulmonary disease.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Increasing immune support (vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc) is required to counter the immune dysfunction associated with advancing age.”
Obesity is another foundational risk factor for all chronic inflammatory diseases, the doctor added.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27.
In a post on Substack titled “The Day I’ll Never Remember,” she detailed a sudden episode that left her unable to recall the current month, year and president.
“I thought it was 2024. And I believed Joe Biden was president,” she wrote.
ONE WALKING HABIT COULD SIGNAL A HEALTHIER BRAIN AFTER 80, SCIENTISTS SAY
The event occurred while Couric was attending the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, during which she participated in two public panels — one on AI and one on journalism — both of which she cannot remember at all.
“I have no idea what we talked about, or of what occurred when the panels ended,” she said.
Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27. (Getty Images)
John Molner — Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels — also shared his account.
After the event, someone told Molner that Katie wasn’t feeling well. When he reached her, an EMT and a doctor were tending to her. “I could tell something was off,” he wrote. “It could have been altitude sickness, but Katie was definitely not all there.”
WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER’S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMS
At the hospital, when Couric struggled to recall the year, the president and her grandchildren’s names, doctors began checking for a stroke.
An MRI revealed no signs of stroke, which was a relief, but “Katie’s ‘fog’ became a lot more apparent,” Molner wrote.
John Molner, Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels, also shared his account. (Getty Images)
“She repeatedly asked me the same questions: ‘What was I doing before we got to the hospital?’ ‘Why am I at the hospital?’”
Couric was ultimately diagnosed with transient global amnesia, a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that prevents a person from forming new memories and may also erase some recent memories, according to Mayo Clinic.
“The cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself.”
It is not caused by a stroke, seizure or head injury, and it usually resolves completely within 24 hours.
“[It’s] just a very weird neural episode that’s pretty uncommon and, at least in most cases, is a ‘one and done’ experience,” Molner said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Couric said she finally began feeling “like herself” again around 9 p.m. and went to sleep at 2 a.m.
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.”
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.” (Getty Images)
Data shows that approximately three to eight people per 100,000 will have an episode of transient global amnesia, with people 50 years of age and older at higher risk.
The specific cause of TGA is not known, but some experts believe it stems from a “temporary dysfunction in the brain’s hippocampus — the area responsible for creating new memories,” Couric shared.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Doctors believe this is driven by brief interruptions in blood or oxygen flow, or microscopic spasm in the blood vessels.”
Episodes could potentially be triggered by intense physical exertion, emotional distress, extreme temperature changes or migraines, experts say.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Approximately 15% of patients will have a recurrence 10 years later.
“Why did this happen to me? Was the altitude an issue? Was I dehydrated? Tired? Stressed? The literature doesn’t seem to indicate that these are contributing factors, but the cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself,” Couric wrote.
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise. (iStock)
“All I know is that those hours will be forever lost. Someone described it as my brain failing to hit the ‘record button.’”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“While this was a freaky occurrence, it could have been much more serious. So ultimately, I’m relieved — even though several hours of a Saturday in June will always be missing for me.”
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise.
-
Arkansas5 minutes agoDino Fest brings interactive experiences, lifelike dinosaurs and reptiles to Arkansas July
-
California8 minutes agoSouthern California police vow to quash planned ‘takeover’ event following recent chaos
-
Colorado13 minutes agoBody found in western Colorado believed to have been eaten by bear
-
Connecticut20 minutes agoCBIA BizCast: Snapshot of Connecticut’s Economy » CBIA
-
Delaware23 minutes agoDelaware will collab with 2 Chainz, years after huge event canceled
-
Florida28 minutes agoFlorida Airport Officially Renamed After Trump. Here’s What to Know
-
Georgia35 minutes agoWest Nile infections starting to raise concerns in Georgia
-
Hawaii38 minutes agoFirst 5 Hawaii is a comprehensive online resource that helps families with young children find and connect to state and federal programs and services.
