I’m sure everyone has seen the short videos on TikTok and other social media platforms comparing this new year to the year 2020; saying that 2025 is starting to seem like a repeat of 2020 with the starting three days being Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (WTF). But there is also word of a quademic with the increasing strength of RSV, COVID-19, influenza, and the new norovirus; eight states have supposedly begun reinforcing the mask mandates. California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington D.C. are supposedly among the states that have brought back these mask mandates.

Many people have heard of the flu, RSV, and covid, However, a lot of people don’t know the severity of these “common” illnesses. Despite some people downplaying the risks of contracting these common illnesses, recent data shows that the severity of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 remains a pretty big concern. This flu season has already seen a large increase in cases with the CDC reporting that over 15,000 flu-related hospitalizations were recorded in the first few weeks of 2024 compared to 2023’s 7,000 hospitalizations increase. RSV has also been quite concerning for young children and older adults, with pediatric hospitals across the U.S. facing overwhelming pressure due to a more severe RSV surge in which several pediatric hospitals across the U.S. have been reporting near-capacity levels and an increase in severe cases that end up requiring intensive care. As of now, the CDC has stated that COVID-19 remains a threat with a rise in hospitalizations totaling around 10,000 hospitalizations in December of this past year, showing a continuing increase from earlier in the year. Experts warn that long COVID is still impacting millions of Americans, leading to prolonged illnesses, disabilities, and economic burdens. As for the norovirus; it’s a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. It spreads rapidly, particularly in crowded environments like schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships. While norovirus infection typically lasts around 1-3 days, it’s important to understand that those with weak immune systems are at great risk, and dehydration due to the symptoms above is a common complication and often becomes severe. 

 Regardless of the widespread availability of vaccines and treatments, these viruses continue to strain healthcare systems, particularly in regions with lower vaccination rates, and lead to severe outcomes. These may seem unimportant but several have lost their lives due to complications with viruses. Stay safe.