Hospital Emergency Rooms
Feel the Impact of Seasonal Illnesses
For
Immediate Release: Thursday, February 21, 2008
Contact: Howard
Sutter (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) - Hospital emergency rooms in
Orange County are busy, due in part to influenza and other
respiratory and viral illnesses that normally occur this time of
year.
“Emergency rooms are reporting an increase in visits for
seasonal illnesses, resulting in longer waits and, in some
cases, an increase in the number of hospitals that temporary
close their emergency rooms to new patients being transported by
ambulance, a condition we call diversion,” said Samuel J.
Stratton, M.D., M.P.H., Medical Director of Orange County
Emergency Medical Services. “We need the public’s help in
limiting emergency room visits to those that are medical
emergencies, so that resources can be used to care for the most
seriously ill patients.”
Most people recover from influenza and other viral illnesses
without requiring medical attention. Typical care may include
acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, drinking enough liquids to
prevent dehydration, eating light meals and getting adequate bed
rest. If symptoms persist or worsen, individuals should contact
their personal physician or regular health care provider.
Indications of more serious illness that might need immediate
medical care include difficulty breathing, severe vomiting,
excessive drowsiness and higher fever, especially in young
children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
Signs of dehydration in children include being unable to take
adequate amounts of fluids, crying without tears, and urinating
less often than normal.
Limiting the spread of influenza and other viral illnesses is
also important in keeping hospital emergency rooms open for
emergencies. To help prevent the spread of viruses when you are
feeling ill:
-
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough
or sneeze
-
Wash your hands frequently and before
possible close contact with others
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
and then touching others without washing your hands
-
Don’t share eating utensils, drinking
glasses or other personal items
-
Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms
of flu-like illness
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