Which Post-Holiday Virus Do You Have?

Chances are you know more than one person sick, and it’s no surprise with four viral infections all surging after the holidays in the U.S. – flu, COVID, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and norovirus (stomach bug). There are also a lot of flu- and COVID-negative cases, most likely caused by common coronaviruses that aren’t COVID-19, rhinovirus, or respiratory adenovirus. Most of these respiratory viruses share cold-like symptoms like fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough, making it hard to diagnose at times.

For Louisiana, flu and RSV cases have shot up over the past month, while COVID has remained fairly stable for a few months. Overall, the CDC ranks Louisiana as “very high” for respiratory illness, the highest level in their ranking. The virus combo is keeping doctors’ offices, urgent cares, and hospitals very busy. Nearly 18% of ER visits statewide could be attributed to a respiratory illness, up from about 8% at the start of December.

You may have also heard about a virus circulating in several Asian countries called human metapneumovirus (HMPV). It’s a common respiratory virus, but nothing to be worried about. Similar to other bugs like the flu and RSV, common HMPV symptoms include runny nose, cough and fever.

While each virus usually has its busy moment during the winter months, it’s not necessarily at the same time. With so much respiratory illness circulating, be sure to wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, and, if you have symptoms, get tested to see which virus you are working with. For many people, respiratory illnesses are mild, but those who are immunocompromised, as well as our oldest and youngest patients, are most at risk for more severe illness.