
It’s an important part of our values and identity as emergency care providers,” Dr.

“In emergency medicine, our door is always open.

Inconsolable irritability (in young children).Fever that does not respond to fluids, rest and fever-reducing medications.If you or your child experience the following symptoms, call your primary care provider for an appointment, visit a walk-in clinic, schedule a telemedicine appointment (often offered by health insurance plans) or do a M圜hart E-Visit: If you or your child is having difficulty breathing or breathing very quickly, is severely dehydrated, has fainted or has a fever above 105 degrees, seek care immediately at an emergency department. How do you know when to call the doctor or make an appointment? Should you go to the urgent care or emergency department? Your pharmacist is often a great resource for guidance on over-the-counter medications. Use over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and pain.Help manage symptoms with proper nutrition, hydration and rest.If you or a loved one has symptoms of any respiratory illness – a cold, flu, COVID-19 or RSV – remember the following guidelines: Often, the fever, chills, runny noses and sore throats, while they can be extremely uncomfortable, aren’t dangerous and are best cared for at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medicines for pain or fever.” “But it’s important to realize that most of the time, these are the normal viral infections we’ve dealt with all our lives, and we all know what to do. It’s completely understandable, after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, that people are worried they or their children may have a dangerous infection and need immediate medical attention,” said Dr.

“A severe flu season is happening, atop an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, atop RSV.Īnxiety in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic also plays a role, said Dr. “We are seeing a tsunami of flu and flu-like illness, with the state’s pediatric ICU beds filled to near capacity at what is generally the very beginning of flu season,” said Robert Farrell, MD, emergency physician and medical director of the Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital Emergency Department. Colds, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (known as RSV) are no longer taking a back seat to COVID-19. A variety of respiratory viruses are making a comeback this winter as pandemic precautions have eased.
