We're in the brunt of cold and flu season in the Mahoning Valley, with the flu spreading at a high rate for a second time during the virus season. 

The CDC released data pointing to infections being at their highest levels in at least 15 years, with at least 24 million cases of the flu reported.

UPMC is reinstating its mask mandate at all locations amid the rise in illnesses. 

"We're seeing COVID-19, flu, upper respiratory infections, and just non-specific viral infections and other bacterial pneumonia," explained Dr. James Kravec, Chief Clinical Officer with Mercy Health Youngstown. "So, it's not all flu, but flu is a big part of it."

CDC data shows that 45% of children and 44% of adults have been vaccinated against the flu this season. While the rate for adults is steady, fewer children are getting vaccinated, compared to a 50% rate just last year.

"Stay home when you're sick," Kravec said. "Cover your cough, wash your hands, and avoid being around other sick people. If you are immunocompromised, have cancer, or chronic heart or lung disease, don't put yourself in that position."

Kravec recommends that patients visit their primary care doctor or utilize a walk-in care service if they do not need emergency care. 

"We're busy, and we're managing the high volumes as best we can," Kravec added. "Our emergency rooms, walk-in cares, and hospitals are busy. Because of this, there will be longer waits."

"Some people choose not to follow basic infectious disease principles," explained Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Dee Banks. "Just cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands. We have to see how all of this plays out. I am concerned about hospitalizations, that is significant."

UPMC is the first hospital chain in the region to require masks to be worn at all locations. According to a press release, UPMC is seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Medical professionals, including Dr. Banks, agree masking up wouldn't hurt.

"This year, it seems to be different," Banks told 21 News on Tuesday. "We're seeing over 300k hospitalizations and 18 thousand deaths nationwide. That's significant. That's enough information for organizations to make a determination about what they want to do."

Banks agreed that immunocompromised people should take additional steps to ensure their well-being, agreeing with UPMC's efforts to limit the spread of germs.

"An organization has to decide to not only protect their patients but also to protect their employees," Banks explained. "There may be a significantly higher number because not everyone is being hospitalized. So, I think the decision was wise."

Banks stated the current influenza vaccine should cover H1N1, H3N2, and two influenza B's.

"I don't know why we are seeing this spike, but we have to take steps," Banks said. "We're seeing this increase in hospitalizations happening right here in the Mahoning Valley. We see people with underlying co-morbid illnesses where there is not a lot of margin when they get infected. They could even be put on ventilators, and we could see pneumonia leading to bacterial pneumonia in immunocompromised people. If you're going into a facility where there are a lot of sick people, you have to take the necessary steps."

The CDC's latest data on the COVID-19 vaccine show only 23% of children and adults are updated on the shot.

Banks and Kravec agree flu shots are still available this season. The UPMC mask mandate formally goes into effect on Wednesday.