Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare reports a 'staggering' number of flu patients in ERs

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare's emergency departments are seeing the highest numbers of influenza patients in years.

"Our emergency centers are seeing staggering numbers of people with flu symptoms," read a news alert published by the hospital Wednesday night. "While our team is ready 24/7 to provide emergency care for patients, we need your help to provide the right level of care in the right settings."

During the week of Oct. 9-15, there were 57 positive tests between TMH's Bixler Trauma & Emergency Center and its Emergency Center. Between Oct. 30 and Nov. 5, there were 245 positive flu tests.

Recent coverage: TMH sees spike in flu patients, asks people with mild symptoms to avoid ER

"Compared to three weeks ago, we've had roughly 300% increase in flu cases," said Alex Ho, an emergency medicine physician at TMH. "It is on the rise and we're waiting for it to peak out."

A spokesperson for HCA Florida Capital Hospital said the medical facility, like TMH, has seen a rapid rise in flu cases in recent weeks.

"To ensure our hospital is prepared to safely meet the needs of all our patients, HCA Florida Capital Hospital started preparing in advance for seasonal influenza," wrote spokesperson Rachel Stiles in a prepared statement. "This month, we have seen an increase in our ER’s of patients who have tested positive for influenza."

Ho said the jump in flu cases over recent weeks is occurring earlier than years prior.

In addition, it far surpasses the flu patient peaks of the last few years. Ho said this is likely because people were taking extra precautions like frequent hand washing, mask wearing and cleaning surfaces because of COVID-19.

"The numbers we're seeing now are more typically seen in winter during a really severe flu season," he said.

Ho said the surge of patients, most of whom have not received the flu vaccine, is contributing to a busy fall season at the hospital, increasing wait times.

"In general we are very busy," he said. "Just being inundated with ... people in the ER, it's gonna take us longer to see anybody."

Ho added that most people have mild symptoms and could instead treat themselves with over the counter medicine and fever reducers.

As of Thursday afternoon, TMH had five COVID-patients. Three cases are considered "incidental" meaning they were hospitalized for other illnesses or injuries.

"If you're sick and need to be treated right away, go the emergency room," he said. "But if you have milder symptoms go to your doctor's office or urgent care facility."

Contact Christopher Cann at ccann@tallahassee.com and follow @ChrisCannFL on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare sees 'staggering' number of flu cases