PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix-area hospitals are sounding the alarm, saying they are being overrun with seasonal flu and upper respiratory virus infections.
Officials say the surge is so severe that some patients are having to double up, and there are concerns it could get worse before it gets better.
Three of the largest hospital systems in the Valley — Banner Health, Dignity Health and Valleywise Health — are all working to manage a flood of flu and respiratory cases. One nurse said they “haven’t seen this since COVID.”
RELATED: Banner Health to enforce mandatory masking starting Jan. 1 due to flu surge
Doctors say if you’re experiencing itchy eyes, a stuffy nose and a thick cough, you are not alone.
“Here in Maricopa County, it looks like we have seen a first peak,” said Dr. Nick Staab with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Staab says flu and upper respiratory cases have surged, but warns another spike is on the way.
“It’ll come weeks to a month after that initial peak, and it’s a surge in influenza B, which tends to affect younger individuals, concerned about pediatric cases,” Staab said.
While the county tracks data, some may have the mindset of “if you don’t test, you can’t get the flu.”
“Even if you’re not directly tested, we have a good finger on the pulse on what’s going on when it comes to respiratory illnesses,” Staab said.
A spokesperson for Banner Health tells us the system is navigating a surge in patients due to the flu.
A nurse within Dignity Health says staff are having to double up beds, and hospital leaders are asking nurses to come down from Prescott to help because some facilities are reportedly understaffed. A Dignity Health spokesperson did not answer our questions about capacity but confirmed the hospital is experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of patients.
An emergency room doctor at Valleywise Health tells us patients are waiting for beds.
“It’s a little early for us in Arizona,” said Dr. Michael White, the chief clinical officer at Valleywise Health.
White says when it comes to capacity, it is a challenge for all hospitals in the county.
“As population grows, the number of hospital beds has continued to keep pace with the number of the population,” White said.
He says Valleywise operates at or near capacity each and every day.
Both Staab and White say it is not too late to get your flu shot. Staab says the flu can be deadly, but there are ways to get ahead of it to limit your chances of getting sick.
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