Dignity Health Expert Addresses "Quad-Demic" of COVID-19, RSV, Influenza, and Norovirus

(STOCKTON, CA) January 14, 2024  – As winter illness season reaches its peak, communities across the country are grappling with the combined impact of COVID-19, RSV, influenza, and norovirus. This convergence of viral threats—commonly referred to as a “quad-demic”—is placing significant strain on healthcare systems, workplaces, and families nationwide.

Recent data underscores the growing challenges:

• Influenza activity remains high, according to the California Department of Public Health.
• RSV activity is at moderate levels.
• COVID-19 activity is currently low but remains a concern.
• The CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks during the week of December 5, 2024—the highest weekly total this year and significantly above previous years' trends and double from the same time the previous year.

Paula Newman, Manager of Infection Prevention at St. Joseph’s Medical Center is shedding light on the local impact and offering practical advice for staying healthy during this challenging season.

"As we enter the peak season for respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, our communities are seeing a significant uptick of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus cases. These viruses can spread rapidly, especially in schools, workplaces, and crowded public spaces. It’s crucial now more than ever to stay vigilant -- maintaining strict hygiene practices, staying home when sick, and considering vaccinations to protect yourself and others from potentially severe outcomes."

Effective Prevention Strategies

St. Joseph’s Infection Prevention specialists recommend the following tips to help reduce the spread of infections:

• Get Vaccinated: Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools against severe illness. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations can help protect you and those around you.
• Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative when soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid Close Contact When Sick: If you or someone in your household is feeling unwell, limit contact with others to prevent spreading illness.
• Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and smartphones, to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Wear Masks When Needed: In crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, wearing a mask can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
• Stay Home When Sick: If you experience symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses, stay home to recover and avoid spreading the infection to others.

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About St. Joseph’s Medical Center 
Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center is a not-for-profit, fully accredited, regional hospital with 355 beds, a physician staff of over 700, and more than 2,700 employees. Specializing in cardiovascular care, comprehensive cancer services, and women and children's services, St. Joseph's is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor and underserved. As a Sponsoring Institution for Graduate Medical Education, St. Joseph’s supports rapidly growing educational programs for both resident physicians and medical students. In addition to being nationally recognized as a quality leader, St. Joseph's is consistently chosen as the "most preferred hospital" by local consumers. St. Joseph's is the largest hospital, as well as one of the largest private employers in San Joaquin County. Founded in 1899 by Fr. William O'Connor and administered by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, St. Joseph's continues to lead the region in medical innovation. St. Joseph's Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health/CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit Catholic health system with care sites across 21 states dedicated to advancing health for all people. For more information, please visit DignityHealth.org/Stockton.