As the flu and similar illnesses spread across the nation, local hospitals are experiencing an additional influx of patients.
Buffalo General Medical Center is running at near 100-percent capacity, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Colin McMahon. He said the most troubling cases are those in patients with pre-existing conditions.
"Patients who have chronic medical problems – diabetes, lung problems like COPD, heart conditions – they’re getting the flu or flu-like illnesses and that’s just tipping them over the edge on their underlying disorder. So we’re seeing a lot of respiratory problems, a lot of dehydration,” said McMahon.
McMahon said there’s still time to get a flu shot and that it will help not only against the current outbreak, but against the subsequent outbreak normally expected in the spring-time. He said people experiencing flu-like symptoms should consult their physician or an urgent care center to test for the flu. And, as always, the best prevention is hand-washing and using hand sanitizers.