HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — As the number of COVID-19 cases rise, so do hospitalizations.
The number of people in the Huntsville Hospital system with COVID-19 has shot up over the past two weeks.
Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Ali Hassoun says we are seeing the first big wave right now. Although there is more testing being done, he says that is not the only reason for the increase. There is still a lot of community spread happening.
Because they haven't already seen a huge number of COVID-19 patients, Dr. Hassoun says Huntsville Hospital is prepared for an influx of COVID-19 patients.
Right now, there are enough beds and a good stock of personal protective equipment, but if this trend continues, it could mean some big changes for our hospitals.
When we asked what would happen if our hospitals became overwhelmed, Dr. Hassoun said, "It's going to end up to we need to cancel elective surgeries, cancel elective procedures, you know, a lot of other things that need to be diverted to try and take care of these patients."
Dr. Hassoun says practicing social distancing doesn't only protect you and the community, it also plays a big role in keeping our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
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