Flu surge strains Erie County ERs; officials warn against non‑urgent visits
WGRZ••health
Key Points:
- Erie County health officials are advising residents to reserve hospital emergency rooms and ambulance services for true medical emergencies due to a surge in severe respiratory illnesses like the flu.
- The increase in patients is causing longer wait times in ERs and delays in ambulance response, with Kenmore Mercy Hospital experiencing capacity challenges.
- Dr. Michael Mangione, emergency department medical director at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, recommends trying supportive care at home initially to help alleviate symptoms.
- The county health department emphasizes that 911 should be called only for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, or severe injuries.
