Numerous respiratory viruses are keeping the pressure on Minnesota hospitals

The prevalence of numerous respiratory viruses is making it tough for Minnesotans to know the cause of their illnesses this winter - and straining the state's hospital capacity.

Thursday's weekly update showed that Minnesota had 8,308 inpatient hospital beds occupied on Dec. 1. Overcrowding has been higher on only 14 other dates since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in early 2020. The number declined to 8,138 on Tuesday, but that remained above the 8,000-bed threshold that suggests a scarcity.

Preliminary infection numbers after Thanksgiving make it unclear if another surge of patients may be in the offing - and whether influenza, RSV, COVID-19 or something else could be the driver.

https://www.startribune.com/numerous-respiratory-viruses-are-keeping-the-pressure-on-minnesota-hospitals/600234248/