Evansville, Ind. — Health officials are reporting that this flu season is the worst since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, with cases remaining high across the country. In the Tri-State area, local hospitals and urgent care centers are overwhelmed as doctors manage an influx of flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.
Dr. Matthew Gilbert, the medical director for the Deaconess Emergency Department, shared the challenges facing healthcare workers. “We’re busy across the nation,” he said. “I have friends all over the place and we all agree, we’re pretty swamped. But we can still take care of the emergencies that come.”
Despite the overwhelming caseload, Dr. Gilbert noted that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. According to him, flu cases in the region may have peaked in the past week, although it’s still unclear if this is the definitive peak of the season.
Hospitals and emergency rooms are struggling to keep up with the number of patients seeking care. Long wait times are expected at both ERs and urgent care centers. On Thursday, some Deaconess Urgent Care locations reported wait times ranging from 30 minutes to nearly three hours.
Dr. Gilbert explained that the long waits are often due to prioritizing more serious cases. “Unfortunately, the longer you wait, it’s probably because you could wait. There’s probably somebody in front of you that needed to jump the line. It’s just how it works.”
In an effort to alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities, doctors are recommending people with mild flu symptoms consider testing at home. Many pharmacies offer flu test kits, which can be used to diagnose the illness without the need to visit a clinic.
For those who test positive for the flu, Dr. Gilbert suggested using telehealth services to consult with a primary care physician. “You can even get medicine prescribed over the phone and avoid going out in public at all,” he said.
Dr. Gilbert stressed the importance of getting treatment for high-risk populations, including young children and the elderly. These groups may benefit from prescription medications, which could prevent the illness from worsening.
“If you’re super sick, that’s when you need to go to the ER,” Dr. Gilbert emphasized, noting that severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusion, and dehydration should prompt immediate medical attention.
To help reduce the spread of the flu, Dr. Gilbert urged residents to stay home if they are sick and remain isolated until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. If individuals must go out, he recommends wearing a mask to protect others from the illness.
As the flu season continues to challenge healthcare providers, Evansville residents are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves and those around them, especially as the peak of the season potentially draws near.
