ST. LOUIS — COVID-19, RSV and flu have seen significant jumps in the City of St. Louis recently, leading officials at the city's Department of Health to recommend civilians mask up.
The department is asking all residents to wear face masks indoors in public and crowded spaces where social distancing isn't possible. The city also announced on Friday that all city employees are required to wear masks while working.
"While none of these viruses are new or more deadly than in seasons past, the rapidly rising number of reported cases and hospitalizations suggests that more precautions are necessary to avoid strain on the healthcare system," the department said in an emailed statement.
According to the health department, COVID-19 hospitalizations in St. Louis hospitals have increased by 38% over December, with 270 people hospitalized with the disease during the week of Dec. 23. Flu cases in the city rose 455%, which people between the ages of 25 to 49 years old seeing the highest number of infections, followed by children aged 5 to 14. Positive tests for RSV has increased by 34%, with 400 positive tests.
Data from the Department of Health shows an increase in flu cases leading up to Dec. 25. The city has not yet published flu reports for the weeks after Dec. 25.
Click here for more information on communicable diseases in the city, along with information about currently available vaccines.
"Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk for severe illness from all three viruses," the department said. "Even those who aren’t experiencing symptoms may be able to spread the viruses and are encouraged to wear masks to protect vulnerable populations."
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital Drs. Amit Mathur and Heidi Sallee said they're seeing the surge.
- Dr. Mathur is a Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal.
- Dr. Sallee is a Professor Pediatrics at St. Louis University and the President-Elect for Missouri Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (MOAAP).
"This is certainly a busier season for viruses," Mathur explained. "With the holidays, people traveling, gathering with families that doesn't help."
Mathur said they are seeing more RSV cases this season compared to the last couple of years.
"Since school has restarted that's the other place. Once schools starts, kids pick up infections and bring it home," he added.
Mathur explained while it's been a breakthrough having an RSV vaccine, it has been hard to access the shot across the country.
Sallee also worries about the littlest ones.
"RSV can be very challenging for them and they often end up in the hospital more so than with COVID and the flu," Sallee said.
Both doctors recommend staying home if feeling sick and to mask up.
"If there's anything that feels out of the ordinary to you, then I'd suggest trying to get into see your doctor and get checked out," Sallee said.
Sallee also recommended a preventative tool.
"Vaccines, vaccines, vaccines! The idea of these, especially COVID and flu vaccines, is that it prevents serious disease," Sallee shared.
Top St. Louis headlines
Get the latest news and details throughout the St. Louis area from 5 On Your Side broadcasts here.