Several hospitals on Maryland’s Eastern Shore have reinstated mask mandates due to a sharp increase in influenza cases. TidalHealth announced Friday that all patients and visitors must wear surgical masks at its facilities, including TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury and Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.
Dr. Chris Snyder, hospitalist and chief quality officer for TidalHealth, explained the decision was prompted by rising flu rates that are straining staffing levels and increasing the risk of infection among patients who do not already have the flu. He noted that emergency room visits are up, with about 100 patients currently hospitalized with influenza across three area hospitals.
“We’re definitely seeing a rise in the last two weeks, and we’re being precautious about it,” Snyder said.
Snyder described this year’s flu symptoms as sneezing, persistent upper respiratory coughing, and low-grade fevers. He added that other illnesses are circulating as well: “There’s also some other bugs going around that are hanging on with it,” he said. “There’s a GI bug that gives everybody this nausea, vomiting, diarrhea thing that kind of confuses the mix.” Otherwise, he said, “It’s the usual upper respiratory stuff.”
He stated most patients experience severe illness for about three days before lingering symptoms such as runny noses and coughs persist for up to six weeks depending on underlying health conditions. Those with asthma, older adults, and people with preexisting health issues face higher risks.
“It’s definitely something that triggers other problems, especially if you have cardiovascular disease or pulmonary disease on top of it,” Snyder said.
“It’s definitely going to be a bad season, and I think it was predicted to be,” he added.
Snyder emphasized the importance of masking in reducing flu transmission within healthcare settings. He also recommended frequent handwashing and vaccination against influenza: “It’s not too late,” he said. “The vaccine takes a couple weeks to kick in, but, vaccine’s are probably the most preventative way” to avoid the flu.
Hospitals elsewhere in Maryland are reporting similar trends. Earlier this week The Baltimore Sun reported increased flu activity at Luminis Health facilities after Thanksgiving; the University of Maryland Medical System has also seen higher case counts.
Even Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed time in mid-December because of flu symptoms.
Data from the Maryland Department of Health shows respiratory illness activity classified as “high” last week. More than 20,000 residents were tested statewide with over 34% testing positive for influenza. The rate of “Influenza-like Illness” reached 8.23% during Christmas week—the highest for that period in five years and second-highest weekly rate overall since then.
TidalHealth officials stated all visitors must wear surgical masks when visiting patients; cloth masks will not be accepted and those who are sick should stay home. Masks will be provided at check-in; anyone refusing to comply will not be allowed entry.
