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The Marion County Public Health Department said Tuesday that Indianapolis' hospitals are seeing an "extremely high" number of people with the flu and respiratory complaints.
“What we have recommended is that individuals that have more mild symptoms go ahead and go to their doctor, primary care or urgent care so those more critically ill patients can be seen in the ER’s,” says Melissa McMasters, RN, coordinator of the immunization and infectious disease program.
The percentage of emergency department visits to Marion County for influenza-like illness (ILI) during the week of March 10-March 16 was 4.96 percent. This is the highest ILI percentage in March on record.
McMasters says many health care providers are seeing a surge in Influenza A H3N2, which causes more serious illness especially in the young and those over age 65.
Marion County hospitals implemented temporary visitor restrictions countywide in early January to better protect patients, staff and other visitors.
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