Widespread flu causing long hospital waits in arizona

Widespread flu causing long hospital waits in arizona Widespread flu causing long hospital waits in arizona State health officials said Friday flu activity is at record levels and some hospital emergency departments are experiencing long waits due to the rush of patients. There have been 7,978 confirmed flu cases in Arizona so far this flu season, officials said. Large numbers of patients have flocked to hospitals across metro Phoenix this week, leading to long emergency-room wait times, the agency said in a statement Friday. Flu patients with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease may need emergency care because they face a higher risk of medical complications. "It is challenging, because there are conditions that the flu can make worse," said Dan Quan, an emergency-medicine physician at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. "They have the flu, and it causes other problems." Those with a higher risk of complications include children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and pregnant women. Others at risk of medical complications include the obese, children on long-term aspirin therapy and residents of nursing homes and assisted-living centers. Those who experience severe symptoms such as breathing troubles, chest pain, confusion, dizziness, vomiting or the inability to drink fluids also may need emergency care, according to Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director. "If you have symptoms and are in a high risk group, or if you feel very sick or worried about your illness, talk to your medical provider,” Christ said in a statement. However, Christ added that people who have mild symptoms may be able to recover at home and avoid the potential spread of the flu to others. This flu season is earlier and much more severe than past years. The 7,978 confirmed cases statewide is the most state health officials have ever recorded this early in the flu season, according to ADHS. There have been 13 flu-related deaths among children nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One child has died in Maricopa County, according to ADHS. Welcome to my Lifeok24 Channel. Subscribe Lifeok24 Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCePUncrssOLsVTpaDYZGrXQ Website : http://ift.tt/2zs0zZo Twitter: https://twitter.com/weightloss165 Blogger: http://ift.tt/2e9xadw Please Like & Subscribe My "Lifeok24" Channel For More Videos #FreedomFamily