Influenza and acute respiratory infections: in recent days there has been a surge in infections and a considerable increase in visits to the emergency room of the Annunziata in Cosenza.
Two hundred patient visits last Monday with cough and high fever
On Monday alone, two hundred patient visits were recorded, many of whom had breathing difficulties and coughing associated with high fever. In the last twenty days, 40% of those hospitalized in the medical area are due to acute respiratory syndrome and flu symptoms: six patients have been transferred to intensive care and are currently mechanically ventilated.
Flu Point established and an informative video
To deal with the seasonal peak of influenza which ends up further burdening the work and management of the emergency departments, the hospital runs for cover, reorganizes the front line of the Cosenza hub and prepares to face the maximum peak expected in mid-January. The Flu Point and an information video have been set up to guide patients discharged from the emergency room with flu and respiratory infections.
The Flu Point is an outpatient clinic in the ED to which the patient, equipped with a mask, is referred if the Triage detects suspected flu. In the Flu Point the patient will be subjected to tests, with a prescription for any therapy and rapid discharge. Correctly informing citizens and promoting responsible behavior after discharge from the Emergency Department is the objective of the information video created by the Emergency Department of the Cosenza Hospital, directed by Prof Andrea Bruni, aimed at patients evaluated at the FLU Point of the Emergency Department for symptoms compatible with influenza or acute respiratory infections, who at the time of discharge present stable clinical conditions and do not require hospitalization.
Clear and accessible language provides useful information to promote recovery, protect family members and promptly recognize any warning signs that recommend entering the emergency room.
In particular, the video informs about:
• what to do after discharge, inviting you to contact your General Practitioner for follow-up and to follow the prescribed therapies;
• how to take care of yourself at home, remembering the importance of rest, correct hydration and the appropriate use of medicines, avoiding taking non-prescribed antibiotics;
• how to protect others, adopting prevention measures such as the use of a mask in the presence of other people, hand hygiene and limiting contact with fragile subjects;
• the rules of behavior in the home, to reduce the risk of contagion;
• symptoms that require an immediate return to the emergency room, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever or worsening of general conditions.
The video recalls the importance of prevention strategies, in particular vaccination which remains the most effective weapon for reducing the impact of the epidemic on the population, especially among fragile subjects and containing the repercussions on health services.