Flu hits New Mexico hard

[Guest guest]

Flu hits New Mexico hard; strains caregivers

10 ill people have been sent to the hospital

By Lorinda Toledo, AP, Thursday, January 17, 2008

Ten New Mexicans have been hospitalized with the flu virus so far this

season, signaling an increased number of cases throughout the state,

according to a report released by the New Mexico Department of Health.

Those hospitalized are five children under 2 years old from Bernalillo

and Luna counties, as well five adults from Bernalillo and Chavez

counties.

The department tracks the flu virus from October to May, although the

first flu case in the state this season was not reported until Dec. 12.

Spokeswoman Deborah Busemeyer said the department expects to continue

to see an increased spread of the virus, although the numbers have

already surpassed trends from last year at this time.

With so many people feeling sick, emergency rooms are starting to feel

the strain.

Mark Epstein is an emergency room physician and medical director of

urgent care at Presbyterian Hospital.

" What we're seeing, in a more general sense, is an increase in the

number of people coming in with acute respiratory infections, " Epstein

said.

Respiratory infection is a broad term that can include the common

cold, bronchitis, strep throat and other flu-like symptoms. Epstein

said that many times, when a patient goes to the emergency room, the

staff cannot be certain whether they specifically have the flu without

test results.

" We don't specifically test for influenza because it's more important

to treat the symptoms, " Epstein said. " We're seeing these viral

illnesses affecting everyone from the youngest pediatric patients to

the most elderly patients. "

Epstein added that not everyone feeling badly needs to be rushed to

the hospital.

" When these viruses run throughout the community, there is a greater

demand on the health care system, " Epstein said. " We want everyone to

get the appropriate care. If the symptoms are minor in the minds of

the patients, then they are better off going to see their primary care

physicians. "

The flu virus can last for just a couple of days or as long as several

weeks.

Epstein urged people to get flu shots and practice proper hygiene,

such as hand washing and doing " all the kinds of things Grandma would

tell you to do. "

Greenberg, Albuquerque Public Schools nursing services manager,

stressed the importance of taking preventive measures to keep viruses

from spreading.

" If your child is sick, keep them at home, " Greenberg said. " Let them

rest and give them plenty of fluids. "

Health officials also said it is important that people who are sick

stay at home and rest.

" We don't suggest that children come back to school until they've had

a normal temperature for 24 hours, " Greenberg said.

Getting plenty of sleep and eating nutritious foods are also crucial

to people trying to avoid the virus.

" Certainly, when people are under emotional and physical stress it

weakens the immune system, " Epstein said.

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