Valley hospitals strained as flu-like illnesses spike across the country

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- There is added strain on Valley hospitals as local emergency rooms see an increase in respiratory illnesses this flu season.

"Especially children and the elderly, right now, we're seeing a high volume of children presenting," Fresno County Health Educator Leticia Berber told Action News.

Berber says patients complaining of common viruses such as the flu, RSV, and even colds, are filling hospital waiting rooms.

"Right now, the ER is for individuals who have a life-threatening injury or accident, so let's leave space for those individuals to get treated," she said.

Across the country, the CDC estimates at least 7.5 million flu-like illnesses, including tens of thousands of hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths.

California is considered to have "high" activity.

"This is typical for Fresno to see this surge in the hospitals," Berber said. "It is very, very common to see this during this time of the year because of the winter."

The rise in cases has prompted some local hospitals to take precautionary measures.

Sierra View Medical Center in Porterville is now restricting kids under 13 from entering several of its units. Older visitors must be free of respiratory symptoms, such as a fever, cough or sore throat.

"With all the illnesses going around, what is the safest way to interact with folks?" Action News asked Berber.

"Stay home if you're sick. Stay away from the crowd if you have those symptoms -- the sneezing, the cough, you know, even if you have diarrhea," Berber said.

Health experts urge the public to first test at home, then to call a primary care doctor or urgent care.

They say the common illnesses going around now, without complications, are best treated outside the hospital.

"By selecting the proper place to take care of your illnesses, (you) will give the emergency rooms space to take care of those life-threatening injuries or illnesses," Berber said.

She added that it is never too late to get vaccinated.

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