INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department said hospitals are urging people with mild illnesses to avoid going to the emergency room.
Most of the patients are sick with respiratory viruses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, according to the department.
The concern is this could lead to longer wait times.
Virginia Caine, M.D., director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, said emergency room resources should be reserved for the sickest patients and those experiencing a medical emergency.
The health department listed the following recommendations:
- Consider accessing urgent care sites or pharmacy-based clinics if symptoms are mild (sore throat, cough, low-grade fever).
- Check with your medical provider or local hospital website to determine what alternatives may be available, such as telehealth or online care options.
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. Ideally, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean and disinfect commonly-used surfaces in the home like doorknobs, toilet handles, faucets and light switches.
- Stay home from work if you have illness symptoms, and keep kids home from school when they are sick.
- Get vaccinated. Vaccines are available for all three of these respiratory viruses — flu, COVID-19 and RSV — and it is not too late. These viruses will circulate for several weeks. In fact, flu often does not peak until late February or March.
People with significant symptoms — including shortness of breath, high fevers or difficulty breathing – are encouraged to still go to the emergency department.
Anyone planning to visit a patient in the hospital should check the hospital's website or call ahead to get details about current visitor restrictions.