Tips to Help You Through the Flu Season

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 27^th, 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.

1. Take advantage of our online registration system. When you arrive at our website, you can get in line – online. Why wait in a waiting room full of other sick patients when you can stay cuddled on your couch until it’s your turn.
2. Utilize our texting system by supplying your cell phone number. Whether at home or walk-in, if you provide your cell phone number, we’ll text you 20 minutes before it’s your turn to be seen.
3. Provide us with alternative pharmacies. There has been a shortage of antiviral medications in the Hudson Valley. Some pharmacies have reported that they have run out of Tamiflu. There is no substitute medication for the proper antiviral to fight flu symptoms.
4. Pre-register your visit online. The less time you have to sit in our waiting rooms, the less time your exposed to other sick patients. You can now take care of your “paperwork” online and that will help speed up your visit both in the waiting room and the exam room.
5. Use a mask. At Emergency One, we provide a mask upon your arrival. If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, please wear a mask during your visit. If you are here for a well visit like occupational medicine, don’t hesitate to don a mask as well. Any protection you can afford yourself is that much better.

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.