Several hospitals in the United States are now implementing mandatory mask policies and restricting visitors in preparation for an anticipated increase in flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses after the holidays.

Although some specialists predict that this year’s season will not be as fatal as previous winters, it could still result in numerous hospitalizations and deaths throughout the nation.

Last week, New York City implemented a requirement for masks to be worn at its 11 public hospitals. This action has also been taken at certain hospitals in Los Angeles and Massachusetts. Several hospitals had already reintroduced mandatory mask policies for employees months ago, in preparation for an expected increase in patients during the seasonal period.

The number of flu and COVID-19 cases have been on the rise for several weeks, with a significant amount of flu-like symptoms being reported in 31 states right before Christmas. The latest national data will be released on Friday, but experts anticipate that infections will continue to increase in many states throughout January.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that there is currently a notable increase in flu cases, specifically in the first week of January.

According to Cohen, there is promising information to share. It is expected that cases of both flu and COVID-19 will reach their highest point by the end of the month and then decrease. While there has been a significant increase in flu cases, they are primarily caused by a strain that typically leads to fewer deaths and hospitalizations compared to other variations. Additionally, there are indications that the current flu vaccines are a good match for this strain.

According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University, the current season is considered “moderately severe” and not expected to be overwhelming.

The CDC is directing individuals to an official website where they can check their county, which can assist them in determining whether they should wear masks or take other safety measures. Cohen advised individuals to get vaccinated and to seek medical attention for both the flu and COVID-19.

According to the latest survey data from the CDC, it has been reported that there has been a decrease in vaccinations this year. As of December 23rd, approximately 44% of U.S. adults had received flu shots, while only 19% had received updated COVID-19 shots by early December.

The number of COVID-19 cases is resulting in more serious illness compared to the flu, but the increase has been less significant. Authorities are monitoring the emergence of JN.1, a modified version of the constantly changing coronavirus. The omicron mutation was initially identified in the United States in September and by late December, it made up approximately 44% of all reported COVID-19 cases.

According to health authorities, the JN.1 variant may have a higher transmission rate and ability to evade our immune systems. However, there is no proof that it leads to more severe illness compared to other recent variants. Present data suggests that vaccines and antiviral drugs are effective against it.

The CDC has released concerning numbers regarding vaccination rates for the seasonal illness known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While it typically only causes mild cold symptoms, RSV can be especially risky for infants and older individuals. Recent data shows an increase in RSV cases during the fall season, but there are signs of a plateau and even a decrease in some areas.

The birthing center at Hillsdale Hospital in southern Michigan has imposed limitations on visitors due to a 65% surge in respiratory illness cases in late December. Only spouses, support persons, and grandparents are allowed to visit, but they must wear masks and be free of any symptoms of sickness.

According to Dr. Nichole Ellis, a pediatrician and the hospital’s medical chief of staff, this restriction is a regular occurrence at this time of year. However, she noted that it is more challenging during this particular season.

In the past, our focus was on monitoring and tracking one disease at a time,” Ellis explained. “However, now, infants and children may have multiple diseases simultaneously. It’s no longer just RSV that they may have, but they could also have both RSV and COVID, or influenza and RSV at the same time due to the high prevalence of these diseases in our community.”

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Kenya Hunter made a contribution in Atlanta.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provide support to The Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is solely responsible for all of its content.