Kinsa’s 'Multidemic' Prediction on MSNBC

If you caught our founder and CEO Inder Singh on Stephanie Ruhle Reports on MSNBC this morning, you may be wondering “whoa — multidemic?! What does that mean?” 

Though the host ran out of time to get to this topic, we would love to provide more information for any viewers wondering - and possibly concerned.

Kinsa’s data leads us to predict that this winter will see a “multidemic” — or many epidemics circulating at once. This multidemic will likely be a combination of COVID, flu and other respiratory viruses.Those under 18 may be hit especially hard now as many kids are returning to school — many who cannot be vaccinated — and in some cases, without masks.

The why behind this prediction: We’re seeing influenza-like-illness (ILI) in the 0-9 yrs. age group elevated above typical August baseline levels. This is the age group that often spreads contagious illness (if you’re a parent of young children, you know how true this is!)

We’re also seeing that 14 states have surpassed typical August illness levels in the general population and another 15 states are trending upwards - most of which do not have students back in school yet.

Lastly, national Kinsa data shows symptoms associated with colds, flu, and COVID have all been trending upward since early July.

Please note this prediction is not meant to cause alarm.  It is an opportunity -- Kinsa has the unique ability to forecast illness, and we believe it is also our responsibility to inform our communities of what's potentially coming.

Our motto is Predict, Prepare, Prevent! We hope this information helps you make informed decisions for yourself and your family. 

We will provide updates on our multidemic forecast and other illness forecasts through our Healthweather newsletter. Please sign up.

If you’d like to apply for Kinsa’s free FLUency school health program to bring our illness insights system and smart thermometers to your community, you can apply here.  

Stay up-to-date with your local illness risk at Healthweather.us.