The Times Union reported on a surge in respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses sweeping across New York state following the holidays. They discussed the spike in cases with Dr. Christopher Guzda, St. Peter’s Health Partners regional director of emergency services. From the story:
Dr. Guzda said for the emergency department at St. Peter’s, the patient onslaught has resulted in busier work days and delays in transferring patients, creating backups in the emergency department.
“We are also experiencing colleagues getting sick, and that’s putting increased stress on our health care system,” Guzda said. “The team is rising to the occasion … but we’re under some stress, so we do ask our community and patients to be patient while they’re waiting to be seen.”
He recommended that those with mild symptoms consider seeing their primary care provider for advice or going to a local urgent care center to leave the hospital emergency department open to the most seriously ill patients. He also suggested that people should get vaccines to reduce the chances of a severe illness.
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