# 3948
During most flu seasons, the ED (Emergency Departments) of many hospitals are severely strained by the onslaught of patients with ILI (Influenza-like Illness).
This year, that burden has already reached levels not normally seen until the height of flu season, and concerns are that we may see record numbers seeking help later this winter.
While Emergency Departments want anyone who needs to be seen to come in for evaluation and treatment, they also need to reduce visits from the `worried well’, or those with only mild symptoms.
Today ACEP (American College of Emergency Physicians) has released some public guidance on when it is appropriate for adults to seek medical care when stuck by a flu-like illness this winter.
HHS, ED Docs Provide H1N1 Guidelines to Public
John Commins, for HealthLeaders Media, November 4, 2009
Guidelines to help the public determine whether or not their H1N1 symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room were released today by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The guidelines are a joint effort by ACEP and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Emergency Care Coordination Center, which are divisions of HHS.
"Emergency physicians are on the frontlines of this national emergency," said Angela Gardner, MD, president of the 28,000-member ACEP. "People are understandably concerned about contracting the H1N1 virus and confused about when to seek emergency care and when to stay home. That is why we developed a set of guidelines based on symptoms and the patient's overall state of health to help them make that decision."
I’ve blown up, and pieced together some excerpts from the guidance to give you an idea of what it looks like. By all means, download the entire document.
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