Are mask mandates coming back?

Concern for a “quad-demic“is growing across much of the country as hospitals across the country see a Increase in respiratory viruses.

In Southern California, most hospitals never ended their mask mandates after the COVID-19 pandemic. But now more mandates are coming back.

Medical experts predicted the increase in cases because of the holiday season, with millions of Americans mixing and mingling at airports and family gatherings.

Now, a further spread is expected as millions return to work and school.

Hospitalizations have risen sharply in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Health officials are advising the immunocompromised to wear masks in public to prevent illness, and in Wisconsin, a major health group will reinstate a mask mandate starting next week.

The “quad-demic” means a quadruple threat of flu, COVID 19, RSV i norovirusbetter known as stomach flu.

Norovirus has been rampant in many communities, and for most, the stomach flu means a very unpleasant 48 hours.

“It hit really suddenly in the middle of the night. I had to go throw up,” said Theo Ash, who recovered from norovirus. “But then it would keep going up and back and back, and I couldn’t hold anything back. We got swept by a group. I got it from my girlfriend, who got it from work.”

There is no vaccine for norovirus, but there are options for other illnesses. However, vaccination rates are down because of what some have called a hangover from COVID-19, and that’s contributing to the rise in disease.

“It’s getting harder and harder to talk about vaccines with people. We’re just sick of hearing about respiratory viruses, but the reality is they’re still here,” said Dr. Andrew Jameson. “You don’t realize it’s going to hurt you until it actually does, and so I would just encourage people not to let it be too late.”

Exposure and hygiene are key to preventing all four diseases, including washing your hands and staying home when you are sick.

However, while more hospital mandates are being implemented, masking in public places remains a personal choice.

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