Minnesota is grappling with a quad-demic as four illnesses — influenza, COVID-19, RSV respiratory syncytial virus, and norovirus — strain hospitals across the state. With over 1,800 hospitalized flu cases already reported, health leaders are warning residents to stay home if unwell to prevent further spread.
Emergency rooms are seeing record-high volumes, with hospitals like M Health Fairview, Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, and Hennepin Healthcare all experiencing a surge in patients.
The combination of respiratory viruses and norovirus has created unusually high hospitalizations this year, surpassing typical post-holiday increases.
Health officials advise seeking care through primary care visits or virtual consultations if possible, and they caution about long waits for prescriptions as pharmacies are also overwhelmed.