More U.S. hospitals are requiring masks as flu and COVID 19 cases surge

In response to an anticipated post-holiday surge in flu and COVID-19 cases, along with other sicknesses, increased safety measures are being enforced in hospitals across the United States. These measures include mandatory masks and restricted visitor access. Despite disease experts predicting that this winter season may not be as fatal as previous ones, the healthcare system is still preparing for potential hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and a substantial number of deaths nationwide.

Initiatives for mandatory masks in public hospitals have been implemented in New York City and selected hospitals in Massachusetts and Los Angeles. Likewise, chairperson of the CDC, Dr. Mandy Cohen, noted a considerable "acceleration" of flu cases in the early weeks of January.

Cohen, however, also shared an optimistic outlook, stating that cases of both viruses are expected to hit their peak and then decline by month-end. To further relieve apprehension, the prevalent strain of flu this year is less likely to cause severe health issues and death compared to others, and current vaccines have proven effective.

Infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University has labeled this season as moderately severe, highlighting the need for vaccinations and treatment. Unfortunately, vaccination uptake has been less than satisfactory, with only around 44% of US adults reporting they received a flu vaccine by late December and a meager 19% receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Health officials are also monitoring a new coronavirus variant labeled JN.1. Despite being potentially more transmissible and able to evade immune responses, there is no concrete evidence suggesting its disease severity is worse than prior variants. Vaccines and antiviral drugs remained effective.

Disappointing vaccination standings were also reported for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can be particularly hazardous for infants and older people. Although RSV cases spiked in autumn, recent data indicate they may have reached their peak.

Besides the ongoing health crises, hospitals such as Hillsdale Hospital in Michigan have seen a 65% uptick in respiratory illnesses in December, prompting restrictions on visitor numbers in the birthing center. This surge in disease prevalence has exacerbated the situation, complicating the tracking and monitoring of patients who are simultaneously contending with multiple diseases.

This press material from the AP Health and Science Department has been supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Responsibility for content lies with the AP. Contributions include those from Kenya Hunter in Atlanta.