Flu Surge Stretches Marin's Hospital Capacity Thin: Report

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Marin is experiencing an uptick in flu-related hospitalizations, and it’s stretching the county’s hospital bed capacity thin, KTVU reports.

Influenza has overtaken COVID-19 as the leading cause of hospitalizations in Marin, a county health official told the television station.

The case surge has also driven a shortage of the antiviral medication Tamiflu, according to the report.

"We are seeing more hospitalizations due to influenza than due to COVID," Marin County's Deputy Health Officer Dr. Lael Duncan told KTVU.

Should Tamiflu supplies dwindle, Marin is ready to respond, Duncan said.

"Are beds still available? Yes they are. Will people get the care they need? Absolutely," Duncan said, noting that "if you're not super sick, you're going to have to wait for that care."

Wastewater samples in Marin indicate influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are all surging, the report said.

"That means we have a couple of challenging weeks ahead of us that are going to put a stress on our healthcare system," Duncan said, "and be worrisome for those in our community that are most at risk."

Read more at KTVU