Mon Health System and Davis Health System Weigh in on Spike in Respiratory Illnesses Across West Virginia
Posted Date: 1/10/2024
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“Our emergency departments across the health systems are being flooded with patients experiencing viral respiratory symptoms,” said Mon Health System Emergency Services Director, Dr. Chistopher Edwards. “While we have seen an increase in the hospitalization of patients with advanced respiratory illnesses, we encourage patients with mild symptoms to go to walk-in primary care offices or urgent care for treatment, rather than the emergency room.”
Patients with mild symptoms of respiratory illnesses, including coughing, sneezing, fever, sore throat, and headaches, should practice hand washing, covering their mouth when sneezing or coughing, and masking when appropriate. As respiratory illnesses are contracted through contact with germs, individuals who experience these symptoms should avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of their illness.
Patients who experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, intense or continuous chest pain, a fever of 103 F or higher, or a bluish tint on the lips or face should seek emergency medical attention.
“As we continue to see a steady rise in cases of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV across the state, Mon Health System and Davis Health System are staying vigilant to provide patients with the appropriate treatment and up-to-date information on how to prevent the continued spread of illness,” said Catherine “Mindy” Chua, DO, FAAFP, FMNM, CPE and Chief Medical Officer for DHS.
Mon Health and Davis Health System offer walk-in and urgent care services locally to residents in Monongalia County, Randolph County, Barbour County, Lewis County, Marion County, Preston County, Taylor County, Tucker County, Upshur County, Webster County, and more. To find a location near you, visit MonHealth.com or DavisHealthSystem.org.
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