This year’s flu season is in full swing. This season has seen an increase in hospitalizations, illness and tragically death in children and adults. As of this week, overall hospitalizations are now the highest level ever, even higher than the 2014-15’ flu season, which was the previous high according to the CDC. To further put this year in perspective, the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (which was classified as mild) peaked at 7.8% of the population with influenza-like symptoms. That was the highest in the past 15 years that the CDC has been reporting this data. This year’s rate has risen to 7.1% as of January 27th, the most current data available.
At Emergency One, we ask you for your patience. We are treating our communities as quickly as we can. We realize that this flu season is impacting our wait times and there are a few things you can do to help improve your experience at Emergency One.
It is important to take precautions in your daily life. After receiving a flu vaccination, your best protection is to wash your hands frequently. Make that a part of your routine, even when you don’t think you need to. If you are sick, stay home. We are in week ten of the current flu season and the typical season can run up to 20 weeks. We are not out of the woods yet.