Respiratory Illnesses Spike In New Orleans Following Mardi Gras

TOPSHOT-US-LIFESTYLE-MARDI GRAS

Photo: SANDY HUFFAKER / AFP / Getty Images

Cases of respiratory illnesses are spiking at urgent care clinics across the New Orleans area after Carnival season.

Doctors are reporting four viruses circulating at the same time. Patients are testing positive for flu A, flu B, RSV, and COVID-19, resulting in what physicians are calling a quademic.

Doctors say large Mardi Gras gatherings such as parades and parties give respiratory viruses a chance to spread.

Health officials say the quademic shouldn't become extreme as long as people get vaccinated and stay home if they feel sick.

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