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Local & National News
Guidelines for Flu Sufferers
10/22/2009 --Humility of Mary Health Partners
Emergency departments and urgent care centers across the region are seeing a large number of patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms who are most likely infected with the H1N1 influenza virus.
“One of the major issues facing our facilities and facilities across the country is the overuse of emergency services by patients who can be safely treated in other settings, including their physician’s office,” said Nicholas Kreatsoulas, D.O., chief medical officer of Humility of Mary Health Partners (HMHP).
In response to this challenge, HMHP initiated plans to manage the surge in patients with influenza and influenza like-illness. However, patient volumes continue to be high and wait times in emergency departments and urgent care centers continue to be long despite the best efforts of the health care providers.
“Most people who become infected have uncomplicated cases that do not require diagnostic testing or treatment beyond bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids,” said Dr. Kreatsoulas.
“For those with mild flu-like symptoms including fever, cough or sore throat, we suggest that you contact your primary care physician for guidance rather than seeking care in an emergency department,” added Dr. Kreatsoulas.
There are situations that do require immediate care. If you have difficulty breathing or become short of breath, become dehydrated or cannot keep down liquids, or develop other severe symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention which includes calling your physician and/or going to the nearest urgent care or emergency department.
People with high-risk conditions should contact their primary health care provider immediately. They may need further evaluation including diagnostic testing and/or therapy with antivirals or antibiotics. These visits do not need to occur in an emergency department unless they have symptoms such as those described above.
High-risk groups who should promptly communicate with their health care provider if they develop influenza like symptoms include:Children under the age of 5Adults age 65 or olderChildren and adolescents (under the age of 18) who are receiving long term medical treatment for chronic diseases and who might be at risk for experiencing viral infectionPregnant womenAdults and children who have chronic lung, heart, liver, blood, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disordersAdults and children with a suppressed immune system (caused by medications or by HIV)
General guidelines for those with mild illness:Avoid close contact with others – do not go to work or other public places while illYou should stay home until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication except to seek medical care or for other necessitiesMake sure you get plenty of restBe sure to drink clear fluids to avoid dehydration; water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infantsCover coughs and sneezesWash/clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into handsCheck with your health care provider about any special care you might need for health conditions such as diabetes, asthma or other chronic health conditionCheck with your health care provider about whether you should take antiviral medications
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