Corewell Health says a rise in flu cases is causing longer wait times in its emergency rooms as some people are showing up to the ER without having severe symptoms.
The Corewell website alert box at the top warns of longer-than-usual wait times.
And suggesting people consider “Other same-day care options” if they don’t have severe symptoms, like struggling to breathe, feeling dehydrated, or an inability to function.
For aches, pains, or a fever, you should drop by your nearest urgent care.
“Fortunately, they’re coming to get checked in; unfortunately,y a lot of people are utilizing the ER for some of these cases of how they’re feeling, and it’s not always necessarily the best place for them to go, but it’s something that feels comfortable, they know if I go to the hospital they’re gonna see me, they’re gonna take care of me, and what that’s translated into is a lot of people coming to the hospital all at once.
But yeah, there is a disruption in the level of care we’re able to give people when we’re seeing so many people that don’t necessarily need to be in the emergency department.”
Dr. Charles Gibson, chief medical officer, Corwell Health West Michigan
