Suffering flu symptoms? Avoid the emergency room
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Doctors say this may be one of the worst flu seasons on record in Wisconsin. Many people are already suffering and want relief. But there's one place doctors do not want to see you -- the emergency room.
Emergency rooms at hospitals throughout southeast Wisconsin are so full, many have run out of beds. The wait times for patients can run into the hours.
"Compared to prior years we are being inundated with patients in the emergency room many of which do not need to be here," said Dr. Matthew Deluhery of St. Joseph's Hospital.
It may be a tough pill to swallow, but doctors say if you're experiencing flu-like symptoms -- aches, fever and cough -- the emergency room may be the last place you should be.
"That's become a huge problem because now what's happening is now the ER is swamped with so many influenza like symptoms where people could stay at home and treat themselves," said Dr. Deluhery.
If you're suffering the symptoms of flu, doctors and nurses alike strongly encourage you to visit a walk-in clinic or your primary care doctor. That's because there's not much out there to treat the flu.
"Keep yourself hydrated, take some ibuprofen for the joint pain. Lay low, lay low, lay low," said nurse practitioner Alberta Essuman.
Even prescription medicines like Tamiflu are worthless after 48 hours. They're not guaranteed to work.
There are some people who should see a doctor-- those who have pre-existing conditions or are very young or elderly. Even then, you may get quicker service by showing up at a walk-in clinic or an urgent care center.