For Immediate Release
Friday, December 23, 2005

Contact: Howard Sutter
 (714) 834-2178

Flu-Like Illnesses Crowd Orange County Emergency Rooms

(Santa Ana) – Hospital emergency rooms in Orange County continue to report a high volume of patients with influenza or flu-like illnesses, leading Emergency Medical Services officials to urge those who are not seriously ill to seek care from their private physician, medical clinics or urgent care centers whenever possible so that emergency rooms are available for the most seriously ill patients.

“Many of our hospitals have been forced to divert ambulance patients to emergency rooms that are less crowded at the time,” said Greg Boswell, RN, Emergency Medical Services Program Manager. “These ambulance diversions are common at this time of the year, and the number of people seeking care in hospital emergency rooms for the flu and other respiratory illnesses is a contributing factor.”

Visits to hospital emergency departments are usually not necessary for uncomplicated influenza. However, influenza can result in serious complications for some people, including young children, older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. Symptoms of more serious illness that might need immediate medical care include difficulty breathing, prolonged vomiting, excessive drowsiness, and severe weakness or lightheadedness. Children are at a greater risk for dehydration which can result from vomiting, diarrhea, or being unable to take adequate amounts of fluids. Signs of dehydration can include crying without tears and urinating less often than normal.

To prevent spreading the flu virus to others, those with flu-like symptoms should remain home from work, school or other activities. Other ways to limit the spread of influenza include frequent hand washing with soap and water, covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and getting a flu shot. For those individuals in high-risk categories, flu shots are still available through Orange County Public Health Clinics. For more information, call the Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448.

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