Flu Cases Up Significantly at Bayfront

Bayfront Medical Center, like many hospitals in the area and around the
country, is currently seeing an extraordinarily high volume of patients with
the flu or flu-like symptoms in its ER.

According to the hospital, while it does not yet have hospital flu statistics to report, the Bayfront Emergency room treated around 50 more patients Monday than average. Monday had 181 cases compared to the 133 case average. 

"The flu season seemed to come on very quickly this season, and about two weeks earlier than usual," said Dr. Jennifer Fredericks, who is treating patients in the ER, in a news release. "As always, I'd like to encourage the public to please get the flu shot and to be very diligent about hand washing."

Bayfront, according to a news release, is taking the precaution of isolating all patients who arrive with the flu, or flu-like symptoms until diagnosed or discharged, so as to prevent the spread of the virus within our hospital.

The hospital said they would like to remind the public that Bayfront's ER will remain open as other hospitals close or bypass their ERs. "We are busy but still able to intake new patients," a news release said.