MN hospitals see high number of flu cases and other respiratory viruses
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Hospitals in the Twin Cities and across the region are being stretched thin trying to keep up with the soaring number of flu patients seeking care.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) said it is the worst flu season the state has seen in years.
Flu cases spike in MN
Intense flu season:
According to MDH, they are seeing the highest number of weekly flu-related hospitalizations in several years.
So far, the weekly peak this season was 877 people hospitalized earlier this month.
"That has put stress on the health system across the board. Not only my healthcare, but across the state," said Dr. Sharath Subramanian, a Cardiologist at CentraCare.
Healthcare providers said the challenge healthcare providers are facing this season is increased cases of multiple viruses, in addition to the flu.
"This season’s influenza is really kicking us. It went up faster than it usually does," said Dr. Frank Rhame, Infectious Disease at Allina Health. "Norovirus is surging for completely obscure reasons. All these respiratory viruses, COVID, influenza, RSV, metapneumovirus."
Pandemic-era lessons provide strategies
What they're saying:
Doctors said healthcare systems have been able to deploy some plans and have been better prepared to provide timely care in times of a surge in patients walking through their hospitals doors. Some of the main lessons learned include better communication and triage.
"The workload in urgent care and ER is very, very high. Through the COVID experience, it has taught up to triage patients. I’ve also seen doctors and resource managers trying to triage patients, so that patients can get timely care," said Dr. Subramanian. "Also, telemedicine is a big resource, both seeing patients and triaging them."
Flu season not over yet:
Although the number of weekly flu-related hospitalizations across the state has dropped slightly, doctors warn it is still too early to let your guard down.
"It came down just a tiny, but you never know what influenza is going to do," said Dr. Rhame.
What you can do:
Some reminders from doctors to stay healthy this season, make sure to wash your hands with soap, wear a mask, stay home if you are sick, and get vaccinated.