North Carolina’s emergency departments are struggling to keep up with the surge in patients due to a worsening flu season. As of Saturday night, over half of Wake Med’s emergency departments had wait times exceeding an hour, with one patient waiting overnight. The CDC reports this season’s surge of flu cases is the worst since 2009.
According to Dr. Christine Knettel, an emergency physician at UNC Health Rex, hospitals are usually full all year, so a spike in any illness means more patients and longer wait times. She advises people who are still recovering from illness to wear masks, wash hands, and stay home if they’re sick. For those feeling quite ill, especially young kids or older adults, she recommends visiting the emergency department immediately.
The public can check online for wait times before visiting their emergency rooms at WakeMed and UNC Health. Dr. Knettel also emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu, even if it’s not the recommended time frame.
Source: https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/hospitals-struggling-with-longer-wait-times-surge-in-patients-during-bad-flu-season