Currently, several viruses are circulating widely, often referred to as a "quad-demic" because four major viruses are spreading simultaneously:

• Influenza (the flu): This respiratory virus is causing elevated activity across much of the U.S., with symptoms like fever, body aches, fatigue, and cough. It remains a significant health concern especially for young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions

• COVID-19: Though no longer as overwhelming as in earlier stages of the pandemic, COVID-19 variants continue to circulate, causing respiratory symptoms similar to the flu and sometimes loss of taste or smell. Vaccination remains important

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Typically affecting infants and older adults, RSV causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe respiratory issues in vulnerable populations. It spreads easily via droplets and surfaces

• Norovirus: Known as the "stomach flu," norovirus causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It spreads rapidly in close-contact settings and is currently causing more outbreaks than usual this season

In addition to these, other illnesses like whooping cough and walking pneumonia are also noted to be on the rise, but the main viruses currently going around are flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus

. Taking precautions such as vaccination, good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help reduce the risk of infection