Urgent care sees increase in flu patients

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Flu cases are on the rise across the country, causing crowded emergency room waiting rooms.

Over the past three weeks, the Greater Mobile Emergency has seen an influx of flu cases. “It’s in adults, it’s in children, it’s in babies, it’s in the elderly,” said Dr. Darren Waters of Greater Mobile Urgent Care.

“Covid had a wait time of two to three hours and we came close to that a few times here as well. We’re almost back to where we were with the number of COVID,” Dr. Waters said.

On average for this time of year, the ER usually sees 70-80 patients per clinic. In comparison, at their West Mobile Location, they saw 141 patients on Monday.

“Please be patient, understand that we are seeing high volume, we don’t like it when people wait at all, but also understand that we are dealing with our staff getting sick.” we work and meet more people and miss them, just like covid. It’s no different than that. Please be patient, we are working as fast as we can to get to everyone, but it has been pretty tough here at the start of the flu season,” said Dr. Waters.

Flu cases are also appearing much earlier than usual, before many have had the chance to get a flu shot.

“We’ve seen a lot of people who have been vaccinated against the flu, but they’ve only been vaccinated for a few days or a week and they’re still not fully immunized. I think because it’s so early and people aren’t immune, that’s really contributed to how bad it is right now,” Dr. Waters said.

Doctors say it’s best to get your flu shot now, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.