DANVILLE, Pa. — The holiday season brought family gatherings and fun, but for many, it also brought illness. According to Geisinger, RSV, COVID-19, and flu are all in our communities.
"When you mix all those three viruses together, it just adds up to a lot of people being sick at the same time," said Dr. Ronald Strony, chair of emergency medicine at Geisinger.
Dr. Strony says it's been a busy time at all of Geisinger's emergency departments.
"We're facing a significant influx of volume and capacity challenges that we're struggling to deal with in regards to taking care of all patients as they're coming through."
Dr. Strony says this has led to patients being frustrated with long wait times at the emergency departments.
"It's very difficult to get to absolutely everyone in the time frame they wish to be seen. We want people to know that there are other options available out there, like the convenient cares or their family doctor, if they don't truly need emergency medical services."
Mild cold and flu symptoms can be managed at home.
"However, if you're short of breath, passing out, if your loved one is confused or disoriented, by all means, come. We're there for everyone. But we want to be able to be good stewards of our services for everyone as well."
If you only have a cough or cold symptoms, Dr. Strony recommends calling your family doctor or stopping by an urgent care or convenient care facility first.
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