Flu season weighs on Las Vegas emergency rooms

By Katie Visconti

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 | 6:45 p.m.

With a rise of patients headed to the emergency room for flu-like symptoms, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging the public to use the ER for emergencies only.

According to a health district statement, the heavy volume of patients can lead to long waits and delays for emergency treatment, which affects those especially susceptible to complications from the flu such as elderly people or anyone with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma.

Health officials advise those seeking care to check to see if symptoms indicate an emergency, including:

• Uncontrollable bleeding

• Head injury or broken bones

• Poisoning or suspected overdose

• Inability to breathe or shortness of breath

• Seizure or loss of consciousness

• Persistent chest or abdominal pain or pressure

• Numbness or paralysis of an arm or leg

• Sudden slurred speech, visual changes or weakness

• Major burns

• Intense pain

• Severe reaction to an insect bite, medication or food

Those experiencing a situation requiring prompt medical attention that is not life-threatening may receive faster care at an urgent care clinic or by scheduling a same-day appointment with their primary care physician, officials said.

Non-emergency health symptoms include:

• Moderate fever

• Colds, cough or flu

• Bruises, abrasions and minor cuts

• Minor burns

• Eye, ear or skin infections

• Sprains or strains

• Urinary tract infections

• Respiratory infections

SNHD also recommends the flu shot vaccine for anyone over 6 months old. For those with high-risk medical conditions, the flu shot is especially important and takes about two weeks to build sufficient immunity.

During the rise of the flu season, which begins in the fall and peaks in February, the health district reminds the public to avoid close contact with those who are sick, stay home if you feel flu-like symptoms, use a tissue or the crook of your arm when sneezing and coughing, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.