The flu is hitting Georgia hard, and hospitals across the state are seeing unusually high numbers of emergency department visits. St. Mary’s Health Care System is among those that has seen a dramatic increase in patients coming to the emergency department with flu-like symptoms over the past two weeks.
Public Relations manager Mark Ralston says those at-risk should take extra precautions.
“Especially older adults, very young children, people who have compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions. They have to keep real close watch on their symptoms. And if they start getting flu symptoms it's a good idea to call a doctor or go see an urgent care clinic," said Ralston.
The facility has issued some guidelines about when people with the flu should seek medical attention.
“For some people, it can become very serious and obviously, we want those folks to come to the emergency department immediately," said Ralston. "Some of those are if they have a high fever that doesn't respond to over the counter medications, if dizziness or confusion or other altered mental states come up, or if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath."
For everyone else, home treatment might be the best option.
“For most patients, flu can be managed with rest, fluids and over the counter medications. During this time where we're seeing so much flu, people can expect longer waits in the emergency department," said Ralston.
The flu normally runs its course in 7 to 10 days.
St. Mary’s is an underwriter with WUGA.
