INDIANAPOLIS — An increase in flu activity is putting stress on emergency departments at hospitals in Marion County as more people seek medical care. To help ease the demand on emergency departments, hospitals are asking anyone who is experiencing mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, body aches, cough and headache to seek evaluation and treatment first through a primary care provider, community health center or urgent care center.
Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, says critical resources available at hospital emergency departments should be reserved for the sickest individuals experiencing a medical emergency.
Individuals exhibiting severe flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe weakness or unsteadiness with an inability to walk, seizures, and persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, should still seek emergency treatment immediately.
Dr. Caine says patients who are seen by a medical care provider for flu-like illness should receive antiviral treatment, which can lessen symptoms and shorten the time a person is sick by 1-2 days.
Dr. Caine also strongly recommends a flu shot for everyone age 6 months and older.
“Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect against seasonal flu,” adds Dr. Caine. “A flu shot can shorten the length and the severity of illness for those who become infected, especially among individuals at high risk for complications or hospitalization.”
Other ways to reduce the spread of flu include:
• Washing hands frequently
• Covering all coughs and sneezes
• Staying home when feeling sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces at home that are touched often, using a general household cleaner and following label directions
Hospitals in Marion County recently implemented temporary visitor restrictions to better protect patients, staff and other visitors from the flu.
According to the Indiana Department of Health Influenza Dashboard, flu activity as of Feb. 8 (last week published) was very high, with 97 total deaths for the season. The majority of those deaths were reported as individuals 65 and older, with the second highest among ages 50-64.
To keep track of Indiana influenza statistics, visit in.gov/health and click on “Respiratory Diseases.”
