Arizona is seeing a significant increase in influenza cases, with the latest state health figures showing a 35% rise in reported flu infections compared with the previous week. This spike in cases has led to health systems tightening precautions to protect patients and staff.
In response to the surge, Banner Health — one of the largest health care systems in the region — has reinstated a mandatory mask policy for everyone inside its facilities. Starting Jan. 1, patients, visitors and employees are required to wear masks at all times while inside Banner hospitals, clinics and other care sites where patients are present. This is the first time the system has put such a requirement in place since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mask mandate comes as nearby states like New Mexico and Colorado report some of the highest flu activity in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials are paying close attention to Arizona’s trends because those neighboring states’ high levels could signal further increases locally.
Emergency physicians are already seeing the effects in hospitals. Dr. Frank LoVecchio of Valleywise Health said he is treating multiple flu patients every hour and expects departments to become crowded as more people seek care, possibly leading to waits for available beds.
Doctors and public health officials emphasize two key methods for reducing the spread of influenza: vaccination and masking. Dr. LoVecchio explained that some immunity from the flu vaccine starts to build within about ten days after someone gets vaccinated, with more complete protection developing over roughly two weeks. Even in years when the vaccine is not an exact match for circulating strains, it can still greatly decrease the chances of severe illness and hospitalization, especially in vulnerable groups such as children, seniors and people with underlying health conditions.
Health authorities are urging parents to consider vaccinating their children as schools resume, and to follow basic prevention steps, including staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowded or clinical settings, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.
State health data and CDC trends will continue to be monitored in the coming weeks. In the meantime, hospitals are preparing staffing and bed-management plans in case flu cases continue to climb.
Source: Adapted from “Arizona flu cases jump 35% as Banner Health reinstates mask mandate,” AZFamily.
