PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is seeing a spike in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms and is asking people to use good judgement when deciding whether to seek care in the emergency room.
Health care providers began seeing an increase in the number of people with flu-like symptoms in mid-December. The number is increasing each day at PeaceHealth Southwest.
The number of patients seeking care has put the medical center at capacity.
In most cases, people with flu-like symptoms can care for themselves at home by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated and taking medication as needed to relieve pain. The illness will usually run its course without medical intervention.
The flu can be more dangerous for the elderly, young children and people with compromised immune systems.
Those who are seeking medical intervention are encouraged to contact either primary care providers first or to visit an urgent care clinic where wait times may be shorter.
