UPMC recommending masks to help curb spread of respiratory illnesses

UPDATE: UPMC said in an update on Feb. 12 that it’s now encouraging, not requiring, masks. 

In a statement, UPMC said: 

“The community is experiencing increased incidence of respiratory viruses, including Covid, influenza and RSV.  To protect the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, we are encouraging masking to reduce transmission and we are making masks available throughout our hospitals.”

The previous story from Feb. 10 is below. 

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — UPMC is requiring masks again, citing “substantial levels” of respiratory illness.

Starting Feb. 12, masks will be required in all UPMC hospitals and outpatient areas, Children’s Community Pediatrics said in a Facebook post. 

UPMC said it’s bringing back masks to try and curb the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, the flu and RSV. Patients, visitors, support persons and staff will be required to wear masks in patient care areas.

“UPMC closely monitors the spread of respiratory illness in health care settings. We are currently seeing substantial levels of respiratory illness due to several viruses. Masking will help to decrease the risk of spreading these potentially serious respiratory illnesses among our patients and staff,” Children’s Community Pediatrics said. 

A UPMC spokesperson said the health system will continue to monitor the number of cases and “adjust as the situation evolves.” 

Allegheny Health Network said it’s not requiring masks, but they’re strongly recommended. 

Flu cases on the rise, data shows

“Personally, we’re seeing a lot of people sick in the office with all of these respiratory-type symptoms. Cough, fever, muscle aches, all that stuff has been coming in and it’s filling up our offices and our urgent cares,” Dr. James C Solava said. 

The week of Jan. 26, Allegheny County reported over 1,000 flu cases, up from about 500 at the beginning of the month and about 100 at the start of December. RSV cases have also been rising since November, though they dropped the week of Feb. 16, according to county data. 

Across the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported rising flu cases since December, with over 20,000 recorded last week. 

“It can be very serious. What people sometimes take for granted is that the flu can kill people. We’ve had plenty of deaths already this year in the state of Pennsylvania from influenza. It needs to be taken very seriously,” Solava said. 

According to the state Health Department, there have been over 250 flu-related deaths so far this season. 

Flu also affects kids. The most important thing a parent or guardian can do to protect children is follow the basic rules of the medical community, which equally apply to adults.

Children 6 months old and above should get a flu shot every year. Make hand hygiene a priority, not only for kids but the entire household. Beef up your child’s immunity by making sure they eat well, sleep well and have physical activity. And avoid other sick people as much as possible.

Flu cases are expected to keep rising. About 13,000 people have died from the flu this year, and predictions for the season say some 20,000 to 30,000 will die. 

As for why the flu is so bad this year? It’s hard to say. Flu strains are different every year, and this one is a tough one.