Health
Boston hospitals adopt stricter mask policies as virus cases surge
Boston-area hospitals are once again requiring health care workers to wear masks when interacting with patients and encouraging patients to wear masks as well.
This change is the result of an increase in respiratory viruses and also occurs in cases of gastrointestinal diseases.
Norovirus is also prevalent In the area.
Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are increasing in line with seasonal peaks seen in recent years, while coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections are increasing, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The numbers are shown to remain relatively low.
Brigham Mass. General's latest mask policy began Monday. Other hospitals, including Tufts Medical Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, revised their policies in late December.
When the mask requirement in hospitals was repealed in 2023, the state left it up to each hospital to decide what metrics to use when deciding when to reinstate the mask requirement. MGB has chosen to use
CDC metrics Epidemic of influenza-like illness in New England. The change was triggered this week when the number reached 1.5 times the standard value.
The increase in respiratory viruses is consistent with winter trends, said Dr. Erica Shenoy, head of infection control at Massachusetts General Brigham.
“This year started a little late, but now things are going as well as expected,” Shenoy said. “So for now, it looks pretty typical. It's probably going to be a continuation of what we saw last year.”
Dr. Dan Baruch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said respiratory viruses tend to spike in the winter for several reasons.
“First, in winter weather, people tend to congregate indoors,” Baruch said. “The second reason is that people tend to travel and form larger groups during the holidays, and thirdly, as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic phase, people are taking more precautions than before. In fact, we are now seeing a predictable spike for all three reasons.”
The surge shouldn't cause undue concern, Baruch said.
“This is why people are taking sensible precautions, perhaps even more so for those who are more vulnerable,” Baruch said. “I don't think this is a cause for alarm, but I think it is a cause for alarm.”
Regarding norovirus, Shenoy expressed a similar opinion.
“I don't think that's really a reason to worry,” Shenoy said. “I think it’s good to be aware so that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and protect those around you.”
These precautions are not surprising.
“Everyone knows how to stay healthy this winter,” he said. Shira Doron, Chief Infection Control Officer at Tufts Medical Center. “Wash your hands. Stay away from people who are sick. Stay home when you're sick and take care of others. If necessary, add a mask when you go out in crowded public places.” However, the most important thing people can do is to maintain their underlying health, as we cannot overcome all the contagious viruses that are out there. I think so.”
According to Doron, this means managing chronic medical conditions, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and managing stress, all of which strengthen the immune system. That's what it means.
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