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New Jersey is experiencing a surge in emergency room visits due to a combination of four viruses, dubbed the "quad-demic." The viruses include COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus. State health officials report that this combination is leading to increased pressure on hospitals across the state.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, emergency room visits for influenza have risen, while those for COVID-19 and RSV have decreased. However, overall respiratory illness activity remains high. Dr. Tae Keun Park, director of emergency medicine at Holy Name Hospital, noted the difficulty in managing the large number of patients, urging patience from the public.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the flu, COVID-19, and RSV have all been on the rise since November. For the week ending January 18, 8% of emergency visits in New Jersey were due to influenza, 1.2% to COVID-19, and 0.5% to RSV. Norovirus, known as the "winter vomiting virus," has also seen a significant increase, with outbreaks up 366% in December compared to the previous year.
Despite the challenges, the CDC anticipates that the peak number of hospitalizations from these viruses will be similar or lower than last year. Public health experts recommend vaccinations, wearing masks in crowded places, and maintaining good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Martin Topiel of Virtua Health emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups, as reported by Forbes.