Every year the 'tripledemic' of viruses triggered by flu, Covid-19, and RSV raise infections in the United States. Spread via the same route - respiratory droplets - when people cough, sneeze, or talk, the common symptoms of these infections are also similar. In winters, it's common for respiratory infections to grow as people remain indoors and that makes it easier for viruses to spread. However, this year, a couple of surprising new entrants have caused panic among people as well as health officials.
While Norovirus formed part of the 'quad-demic' this season, the concern around human cases of bird flu is also growing with a new strain in picture. As per the latest reports, six dairy herds in Nevada have tested positive for a newer variant of the H5N1 bird flu virus that’s been associated with severe infections in humans, according to the Nevada Department of Agriculture. The strain previously found only in wild birds has turned up in dairy herds in Nevada raising concerns that future human infections could be more serious. Bird flu spreads through close contact with infected birds or their droppings. It also spreads through contaminated surfaces or by breathing in the virus.
