Beware the "Quad-demic"
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The spread of the flu, COVID and RSV is "high" in Texas, mirroring levels across much of the U.S.
- The Dallas area had the sixth-highest levels of flu in the country as of last week, according to the Walgreens Flu Index.
The big picture: Norovirus cases are well above normal levels, per CDC and wastewater surveillance data.
- The result is a "quad-demic" of illness hitting simultaneously in what's shaping up to be a more active virus season than last year.
Why it matters: The simultaneous threats are straining some hospitals to capacity and leading administrators to recommend masking among staff, ABC News reports.
Threat level: All four illnesses are possible at any time of the year, but cases typically peak in the winter.
- Texas recorded the country's third-highest levels of flu as of last week, according to the Walgreens Flu Index.
Zoom in: Godley ISD, mostly in Johnson County, is closed through Monday because of widespread flu and other illnesses among students and staff.
- Almost 650 students were absent on Tuesday, and several more went home sick. Over 60 staff members, including teachers, also missed work.
The intrigue: Norovirus, also referred to as a "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug," can cause vomiting, diarrhea and food-borne illness.
- Health experts aren't sure why infection rates are higher this year than in past years, Baylor College of Medicine professor Robert Atmar said in a statement.
- "It probably has to do with the circulating strains and the lack of immunity in the population," Atmar said.
- For example, fewer U.S. and Texas children have received flu vaccines this season than did last flu season.
Go deeper: Follow these tips for managing COVID and flu and these tips for managing Norovirus.