Alabama in ‘very high’ flu activity status

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Doctors in west Alabama are giving new reactions as flu cases continue to rise in the state.

Right now, the CDC has Alabama in the very high-risk activity level. About 6% of patients with respiratory symptoms in the ER have the flu.

According to DCH Emergency Medical Director, Dr. Elwin Crawford, they’ve seen a more than 50% increase in flu cases in just four weeks.

Crawford has been a physician for years, and what he sees now in the rise of flu cases, well, it doesn’t surprise him.

“At that point in time we were just starting to see just a few flu cases. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen a large influx of flu patients,” said Crawford.

The large increase of flu patients coming to the ER is forcing the department into high gear to treat them.

“The emergency department has been extremely busy, hospital has been extremely busy. Not only are we seeing the flu, but respiratory illnesses that are not necessarily the flu but are here and filling up the hospital as well,” said Crawford.

This increase of flu cases is not just in west Alabama. The Alabama Department of Public Health reports seeing a ‘high’ activity in hospitalizations and ER visits across the state.

We are now in what’s considered peak season for the flu. That brings us to the next point in what Crawford is recommending.

“I do think we’re seeing patients that could be adequately treated at an urgent care or by their private doctor with the flu. You know we’ll always see patients. We’ll never turn anyone away,” Crawford said.

Meantime, Dr. Crawford says it’s not too late to get stuck with the flu shot.

“If you have not been vaccinated for the flu this year, make sure you go and get a flu vaccine. It’s not too late,” said Crawford.

For now, the doctor prescribes practicing good manners; stay home if you’re sick, cover your mouth when you’re coughing and your nose when you’re sneezing, and don’t forget to wash your hands frequently.

One other thing Crawford talked about, you’ve probably heard of people getting the flu despite getting the vaccine. Crawford says that’s not unusual. The vaccine is not 100%, but Crawford says he’s seen very few patients who got the flu shot and still contracted the flu.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.