ER departments are not flu diagnosis and examination areas, State Health Services, Okypy, has advised citizens, as mild cases are taking away precious time from staff to tackle more urgent, often critical life and death incidents.
In a statement of appeal following ER overflows due to rising flu numbers in recent weeks, Okypy firmly states that 'ERs are meant to deal with life threatening cases and the practice of coming in for flu checks must stop, as it runs against people fighting for their lives.'
What to do instead of ER
Health services encourage people to purchase flu tests available at pharmacies and if positive or in case of symptoms, they should contact their GP for advice.
They further clarify that under no circumstances should ERs be considered 'an alternative to GPs'.
In a note of conclusion to the appeal, Okypy underscores that ER personnel is on alert and working hard to save lives.