TidalHealth encouraging proper use of emergency rooms as cold and flu season approaches

SALISBURY, Md. – As cold and flu season approaches, TidalHealth is encouraging proper use of local emergency departments.

With the current surge in COVID-19 cases affecting already stressed and short-staffed hospital emergency departments and inpatient units, TidalHealth is reminding residents that during the flu season and with the current increase in COVID cases, people should be cautious in using local emergency departments.

Officials say if you’re a normally healthy person experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle or body aches, exhaustion, and loss of appetite without chest pain or shortness of breath, its best to avoid busy emergency departments and instead seek care through family physicians or urgent care centers. This allows already busy emergency departments to address other critical care needs.

In addition, TidalHealth is encouraging people to be vaccinated against the flu and is offering several easy ways to do so. They will be offering Drive-Thru Flu Clinics on the following dates:

• October 2nd, 8 a.m. to noon – Delaware Technical Community College, Georgetown
• October 8th, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, Salisbury
• October 16th, 8 a.m. to noon – TidalHealth McCready Pavilion, Crisfield