Amarillo Hospitals Inundated With High Rates of Respiratory Illnesses

Representatives from BSA Hospital, Northwest Texas Hospital, the Amarillo VA, and the city of Amarillo’s Public Health Department met on November 30th to discuss the increase in respiratory illnesses in our area.

Officials say that while it is normal for the region to see an increase in rates of influenza, Covid-19, RSV, and others around the holidays, this year we are seeing an early and exceedingly high number of these cases.

One of the main goals of the meeting was to highlight the strain local hospitals are under with the higher rate of illnesses we are seeing.

Dr. Brian Weis from Northwest Texas Hospital said their satellite emergency room facilities have seen a 200% increase in the number of cases they are designed to see and mentioned why those numbers are so worrying.

Dr. Weis was joined by his colleague from BSA Hospital, Dr. Michael Lamanteer, who echoed the same sentiments while adding tips for the general public on how to help lighten the load on healthcare facilities.

The panel mentioned a few specific ways to help keep yourself healthy including vaccination, staying home when you’re sick, and wearing your mask when you go in public or crowded areas.

For more information visit the City of Amarillo’s website.