Quick Take
We saw higher-than-usual temperatures in March, but that doesn’t mean virus season is over in Santa Cruz County, writes Santa Cruz family medicine physician Patrick Cudahy. Viruses are still out there, he says, and while flu dominates in winter, COVID-19 strains tend to surge in warmer months. Since October, flu cases have caused 48 hospitalizations, compared to 22 for COVID-19 and 12 for RSV. Norovirus remains a concern, although local wastewater testing numbers remain low. Still, Cudahy warns, overlapping infections and shifting seasonal patterns can have serious consequences. He urges readers to wash hands, stay home when sick and get vaccinated.
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We had a long spate of hot weather, and many people assume the respiratory virus season has also ended.
As a family medicine physician here for the past six years, I can tell you that is a mistake. The mismatch between perception and reality can have real health consequences.
I treat viruses and respiratory illnesses year-round. The flu has been notably more severe recently, as some of the strains circulating have been less predictable than usual. In fact, for the second consecutive flu season in the United States, flu has driven more serious illness than COVID-19, a trend seen locally in Santa Cruz County, where since October, we’ve recorded 48 flu hospitalizations compared to 22 for COVID-19 and 12 for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
COVID-19 strains have evolved more gradually than flu, and there has been a welcome downward trend in COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths since 2020. Despite this, we must remain vigilant, because an emerging pattern suggests flu dominates in winter while COVID-19 tends to surge in summer, giving us little to no break from respiratory viruses. In addition, COVID-19 still poses unique long-term health risks that flu generally does not.
We’re also seeing other viruses on the rise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported increased norovirus activity across the western United States, with more than 12% of tests returning positive in late February – the normal threshold for positive tests is 10%. This past winter, high traces of norovirus were detected in the Bay Area. Current monitoring shows some traces in Santa Cruz County wastewater, though not enough to warrant an outbreak. While norovirus affects the gastrointestinal system rather than the lungs, it adds to the overall burden of illness in our community. It also increases the chances that individuals might be dealing with overlapping infections.
When multiple viruses are circulating at the same time, the risk isn’t just getting sick once – it’s getting sick twice, or even simultaneously. Co-infections and back-to-back infections place added strain on the body, and your immune system doesn’t love multitasking. Overlapping infections can significantly increase the risk of severe illness, including the need for hospitalization or intensive care.
The good news is that we’re not seeing the same level of strain as some other parts of the state. Our flu, RSV and COVID-19 numbers are low, but that does not mean virus season is over or that they can’t overlap and continue later into the season than many expect.
One of the most important lessons from the pandemic is that prevention works – and it still applies. Even in years when circulating viral strains are harder to predict, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to reduce severe illness and protect vulnerable members of our community.
Santa Cruz County does this well; our vaccination rate sits slightly higher than the rest of the state – 22% and 33.11% for COVID-19 and the flu, respectively, compared to the state’s 13.9% and 28.9%. Basic measures like handwashing, staying home when sick and taking precautions in crowded indoor spaces continue to make a meaningful difference.
Equally important is recognizing symptoms early and responding appropriately. Respiratory illnesses often present with cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and fatigue, while viruses like norovirus can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If symptoms worsen, particularly difficulty breathing, persistent high fever or signs of dehydration, it’s important to seek medical care promptly.
As we push deeper into spring, the goal is to avoid complacency. Respiratory viruses haven’t disappeared. They’ve simply become easier to overlook.
By staying aware, taking simple precautions, and looking out for one another, we can reduce the impact of these infections and keep our community healthier through the seasons ahead.
Patrick Cudahy is a family medicine physician with Dignity Health Medical Group – Dominican. He sees patients in Santa Cruz and is credentialed at Dominican Hospital; he has been practicing in the area for six years. He graduated from Ross University and completed his residency at Baton Rouge General Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.