Local News - December 2003

Flu prompts large influx of patients

Published December 10, 2003

By DIANE TURBYFILL, Staff Writer

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Lincoln Medical Center is seeing a record number of patients resulting from a rapidly spreading flu virus and officials are discouraging visitations.

“The flu is active in our county, and we really need visitors to keep from visiting patients in the hospital,” said Jordan Frye, marketing coordinator with Lincoln Medical Center.

The problem is getting increasingly serious due to the high number of cases.

“We are seeing record numbers of patients in our emergency department. More than 60 percent are flu related symptoms,” said Elaine Haynes, vice president of nursing at LMC.

Haynes said those with loved ones in the hospital would be better off to call or send cards.

Visitors will be discouraged from entering patients’ rooms.

“They’re contaminating themselves and taking it back into the community and making the epidemic worse,” Hayes said.

Those contracting the flu will experience many affects — body ache, fever, cough and fatigue. Symptoms usually last from five to seven days. But Hayes says patients are experiencing relapses because they refuse to slow down.

“People who have the flu in the community should stay at home and stop trying to go out and feel better,” she said.

Preventing the flu is becoming increasing difficult due to lack of vaccines. The hospital has already run out of the vaccination.

The Lincoln County Health Department will use its remaining 500 doses today during a clinic today.

“From the phone calls we’ve gotten, we will probably give them all today,” said Christine Helton, communicable disease nurse with the health department.

Helton said some Charlotte doctors are ordering the vaccine from overseas, but she doesn’t expect the local department to receive anymore before flu season ends.

Flu vaccinations have been available since early fall. The interest in the vaccine has peaked during the past month.

“I think people are panicking because the flu is bad this year,” she said.

Hayes said measures can be taken to ward off the bacteria.

“People need to cover their mouths when they cough, and I can’t emphasize hand washing and general house cleanliness enough,” she said.

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The Lincoln County Health Department on Sigmon Road will administer flu vaccinations today from 1 to 4 while supplies last. Cost is $15.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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