MINNEAPOLIS— Four diseases are filling Minnesota hospitals, and health leaders are warning you that Minnesota is facing a “quad-demic.”
This year, Minnesota has already reached more than 1,800 hospitalized flu cases this season.
“If you’re not feeling well, it’s time to stay home until you’re in better condition,” says Dr. Amy O’Neil of M Health Fairview.
Thursday’s snow may have delayed your commute, but the emergency room is going non-stop.
“We’ve seen record high volumes in recent weeks. It’s been a combination of flu, COVID-19, RSV and Norovirus,” O’Neil added.
And they call that the ‘quad-demic’ – flu, COVID, RSV and norovirus. They are spreading across the country and putting pressure on Minnesota’s emergency rooms.
“I heard a couple ambulances coming as we came in,” said Stephanie Carey, walking out of Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
In addition to M Health Fairview, WCCO also received confirmation from Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare, all of which said they are seeing an increase in patients.
This graph from the Minnesota Department of Health shows a sharp increase in hospitalizations due to flu, COVID and RSV since last week.
Minnesota Department of Health
Dr. O’Neil says high volumes are typical after the holidays, but there is one thing that stands out this year.
“It appears that the combination of respiratory viral diseases and norovirus is currently driving these volumes higher than expected,” she added.
So, what should you do if you are sick?
“If you can get your care elsewhere, consider a primary care visit or a virtual visit,” says Dr. Rahul Koranne of the Minnesota Hospital Association.
All this also creates a domino effect for the pharmacies in the area.
“I’ve been waiting for a prescription for a long time and it’s a blood pressure prescription, and that’s not good,” Judy Larson of Minneapolis told WCCO.
“I mean everyone is sick. It’s this time of year, you just have to be patient,” said Lia Wells of Columbia Heights.
