Quademic 2025: Hospitals in the United States are dealing with a surge in patients admission, the reason is the quademic it is dealing with at this moment. This has led to an influx of patients. It is all caused by seasonal infections, including common flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that dominate the winter season in the US. This year, norovirus also joined the list, which has further increased the load on the healthcare.

The healthcare company founded in academics M Health Fairview, confirmed that their hospitals are overflowing due to the quademic.

Is US able to cope with Quademic 2025?

The hospitals of M Health Fairview's volume is up by 30% and as a results, patients are being treated in the hallways and in alternative care areas. There is also a longer wait time and shortages for resources that are required to treat these emergencies. This has also impacted other life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks and strokes, as the healthcare resources and caregivers are occupied with the surge in seasonal cases.

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What are these quademic infections?

Common cold and flu: The common cold and influenza (flu) are perhaps the most well-known illnesses that peak during the fall. As temperatures drop and humidity levels fluctuate, viruses that cause colds and the flu become more active. The flu, in particular, can be more severe than a common cold, leading to complications such as pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, and body aches.

Covid-19: As per the World Health Organization, Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with this virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment, However, there could be some cases of seriously ill patients who may require medical attention. It is also because of the other existing medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, or older age.

The best way to protect against this virus is by following social isolation form those who are infected, using mask to prevent droplets from infecting others when you cough or sneeze and to wash your hands for 20 seconds frequently.

RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus: As per the Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects nose, throat and lungs. Though symptoms are similar to the viruses like flu or COVID-19, the disease in itself is different. It also peaks during the winter season, especially between December and January.

However, the main difference between RSV and other respiratory illness, above mentioned is that RSV can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, especially for those who are over the age of 50 or with an existing heart or lung disease.

Norovirus: It is a number 1 cause of foodborne illness in the US and this happens when virus gets into the food and then it accidentally enters your mouth. These particles are from faeces or vomit from infected people, or can be transmitted via contaminated food and water. It could also spread by touching unclean surfaces like door handles or cutlery.

For most people, having norovirus is unpleasant, but mild and recovery could be made in 1 to 2 days. However, it could be more serious for babies, older people and anyone with any existing health condition.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on December 24 prequalified two rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for SARS-CoV-2. This virus is known to have caused COVID-19. As per the WHO, these two tests are called SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test and the ACON Biotech Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test (Self-Testing).

At first these tests got temporary emergency approval from the WHO during the pandemic. This was done so the countries could start using them quickly even though long-term data was limited. This emergency approval helped the tests reach over 100 countries when they were urgently needed.

What Has Changed Now?

The WHO has now given these tests full prequalification, which means it has a stronger and long-term approval. This means that the WHO has thoroughly checked and confirmed that the tests consistently meet global standards for quality, safety, and accuracy.

Why Does This Matter?

• The tests can now be officially bought and used by global organizations and governments
• They can be included in bulk purchasing to lower prices and increase supply
• This makes reliable COVID-19 testing more affordable and accessible, especially in low-and middle-income countries

COVID-19 Is Far From Being Over

Even though WHO officially ended COVID-19 emergency phase over two years ago, the virus is still circulating globally. In fact, this year, we have seen variants of COVID-19 circulating around, causing the most unique symptoms, including razor-blade like throat. Variants like JN.1, Stratus, Nimbus, LP8.1, and BA.3.2 were all that we saw in 2025.

While the good news is that infection levels are relatively stable, but the virus has not completely disappeared and testing is still necessary, especially in poorer countries.

Many low-income countries do not have easy access to labs or expensive PCR testing. So there is still a need for a strong, but cheaper and reliable way to detect COVID-19, and these tests may as well do that.

Why Rapid Antigen Test Matters

• Give results in 15–30 minutes
• Cost less than PCR tests
• Don’t require labs or specialized equipment
• This means they can be used in small clinics, community centers, mobile vans, or remote areas, where lab testing isn’t practical.

However, it is important to note that rapid antigen tests are not replacement for PCR tests. They simply complement the PCR tests by allowing faster, on-the-spot decisions, especially when the lab capacity is limited.

What Makes It Essential Today?

Rapid antigen tests could help with spotting and stopping local outbreaks quickly, protecting high-risk people and healthcare workers, and staying prepared for future respiratory pandemics.

The WHO is also pushing for decentralized, quality-checked testing as part of universal healthcare and global health security, so countries aren’t caught unprepared when the next outbreak happens.

When Is It A Right Time To Get Yourself Checked For COVID-19?

If you notice these following symptoms as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is best that you get yourself a COVID-19 test:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches

As Delhi's air quality levels and pollution continues to worsen, and people struggle to breathe, countries like Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Canada issued advisories for their citizens travelling to the capital city. However, the capital city's crisis continues to remain ignore, though CM Rekha Gupta did hold a review meeting on the same on Monday, with a follow-up scheduled on Thursday.

Singapore Travel Advisory On Delhi's Air Pollution

Singapore High Commission issued an advisory, which stated:

On 13 December 2025: The Indian Central Pollution Control Board invoked Stage 4, the highest level, of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi National Capital Region. Under GRAP 4, construction and industrial activities are heavily restricted, and schools and offices are encouraged to shift to hybrid format. The Delhi authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, especially children and those with respiratory or cardiac ailments, and to use masks if stepping out. In this regard, the High Commission urges Singapore nationals in the Delhi National Capital Region to pay heed to this advice.

We also note that given the low visibility, flights to and from the Delhi National Capital Region are likely to be affected. The Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines have issued advisories. Travellers should take note of this, and check with the respective airlines for updates.

UK And Canada Too Issue Advisories On Delhi Pollution And Its Impact On People

UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned that air pollution could lead to serious health threats for those living in northern India, especially between the months of October and February. The UK advisory also stressed on the health of pregnant women and people with any heart or respiratory. The advisory noted that they must seek medical advice before travelling to India.

The statement read: Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you’re pregnant or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.

Canada too issued a similar notice, advising, especially those who are already struggling with respiratory issues and to continuously monitor air quality levels. The notice also highlighted the pollution that is caused by fog and smoke trends that are increasing in urban areas like Delhi, especially during the winters.

The advisory read: Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Delhi. It’s typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning. Dust storms also occur across northern India. Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

As of today, Delhi's air quality remained in "very poor" category, and the AQI stood at 342 at 8am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. The 24-hour average AQI was logged at 412 under the "severe" category on Tuesday evening when Delhi's quality peaked to record the fourth severe air day in the month of December.

A Pennsylvania nursing home caught on fire due to an apparent gas explosion. The Silver Lake Nursing home in Pennsylvania's Bristol Township caught on fire, and videos show flames erupting from the building, and debris scattered around the area. The Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the that there are so far two deaths, with 21 people found injured. Many have been rescued, yet rescuers believe that five people are unaccounted for.

What Happened At The Silver Lake Nursing Home?

At 2.15pm is when the flames could be seen from the gas-related explosion. PECO confirmed that crew had started to respond around 2pm itself after they received reports of a gas odor. The explosion had occurred when the crew were on the scene.

“While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility. PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents,” the utility said in a the statement.

State Rep. Tina Davis told the Associated Press. "I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city, from all over."

Davis says that there were talks of using a nearby school as a temporary evacuation area.

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How Are Burn Injuries Treated?

Burn injuries are first classified before the treatment. Their classification decides the treatment the burn will require. There are for classifications of burns:

First-degree or superficial burns: They only affect the outer layer of the skin or the epidermis. In these injuries, the burn site is red, painful, dry, and has no blisters.

Second-degree or partial thickness burns: They are only the burns of epidermis and part of the lower layer of the skin, the dermis. The burn site looks red and blistered and may be swollen and painful.

Third-degree or full thickness burns: Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. They could also go to the innermost later of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site could look white or blackened and charred.

Fourth-degree burns: They burn through both layers of the skin and underlying tissue as well as deeper tissue, and could possibly reach muscle and bone. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

The right way to treat a burn depends on its depth and how much of the body it covers. While minor, superficial burns can be managed at home, deeper or larger burns may need medical attention. Keep these essential guidelines in mind:

Do's:

• Remove the source of the burn immediately – For example, take off clothing soaked in hot liquid to prevent further damage.
• Run cool water over the burn – This helps soothe the skin, except in cases of certain chemical burns.
• Keep the burn clean and protected – Cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage when possible.
• Seek medical help – If the burn is deeper than a superficial layer, larger than your hand, or full-thickness, see a doctor.

Don’ts:

• Use home remedies like bleach or butter – These can make the burn worse.
• Apply ointments or creams on deep burns – They can trap heat and worsen the injury.
• Put ice on the burn – It can cause more damage to the skin.
• Pop blisters – This increases the risk of infection.