Emergency Crowds: Louisiana Hospitals Packed with Patients

SHREVEPORT, LA - Hospitals and doctors offices have been packed lately with lots of sick folks in Louisiana. Shreveport and Bossier City facilities have also been very busy.

Doctors are seeing a spike in the numbers of flu, pneumonia and Covid cases across Louisiana. Emergency rooms have been so packed, nurses are doing triage in some waiting rooms. They are doing blood pressure checks and checking the fever of patients waiting in the lobby to try to speed up the process.

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The latest report from the CDC shows Louisiana and Oregon have the highest positivity rates for the flu. The numbers keep going up. Health officials are concerned that as children return to school from the Christmas break, we could see another spike in cases of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.

The positivity test rate for the flu in Louisiana is 10.7% compared to a rate of 4.9% across the nation.

Pediatricians have been very busy seeing children with flu symptoms. Click here to see the CDC data breakdown of age groups.

What Are the Typical Flu Symptoms?

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting (more common in children)

How to Avoid Getting the Flu

It's not too late to get your flu shot. This is critically important if you are high risk which includes older folks, people with chronic health troubles and pregnant women.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching your face, using the bathroom, or handling food. 
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or your elbow. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones. 

Stay home if you are sick and try to stay away from anyone who is sick.