FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Flu cases were up nationwide at the start of 2018, and waiting rooms were filling up, leaving several Northern Arizona medical facilities with the need to make adjustments.
Denise Weishuhn waited in the North Country HealthCare waiting room with what she believed was another upper respiratory infection.
“I have three grandchildren and they all go to different schools, so they’re getting it from everywhere too,” Weishuhn said, adding, “I’m ready for it to go away.”
Patrice Nuvamsa joined later, waiting to get a flu shot for her and her 9-month-old baby.
“Both me and her got really sick,” Nuvamsa said, fearing the worst after her family warned her about influenza-related deaths across the nation.
Physician’s assistant at North Country HealthCare, Elaine Accomando, said it was obvious at the clinic’s 20 locations—this flu virus shows no mercy.
“Yes, I’m seeing a lot more cases this year and we’ve seen a lot more serious cases, people have been hospitalized sooner,” Accomando said.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) confirmed 2,455 cases of influenza from 15 counties from Dec. 31, 2017 to Jan. 6, 2018. That’s nearly 10 times more than the same week last season.
Accomando said North Country HealthCare was ready for the increased patient load with an extra temporary nurse practitioner.
“We really try to bring more people in to cover if we have any staff shortages, so we haven’t really experienced longer wait times,” Accomando said.
In the following statement, the chief administrative officer and NAH executive vice president of Flagstaff Medical Center, Flo Spyrow, explained how the increased caseload forced the center to limit patient transfers several times over the last month.
“Increased flu cases are being seen state and nationwide. Flagstaff Medical Center has been at 'trigger red' several times in the last month, which means we limit patient transfers we will accept from other communities and care facilities, so providers, resources and space are available to care for our community members. While FMC’s Emergency Department has seen an increase of flu cases, we continue to treat all patients from our community either in the ED or by admitting them to the hospital, depending on their needs. All of our colleagues are committed to caring for our community, especially in times of greatest need.”
There are several ways the ADHS says the public can help healthcare providers keep the flu from spreading. The agency recommends:
- Get the flu vaccine
- Cough or sneeze into your arm
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay away from sick people
- Wash your hands or use sanitizer regularly