Hospital prepares for flu pandemic

Posted at: 10/07/2009 9:25 PM | Updated at: 10/08/2009 7:26 AM
By: Joe Vigil, Eyewitness News 4; Matthew Kappus, KOB.com

Presbyterian is telling people not to be alarmed

Presbyterian Hospital and Medical Group in Albuquerque has activated its pandemic flu plan after seeing a spike in patients.

The flu is spreading fast in New Mexico. The Department of Health now says a ninth New Mexican has died of H1N1. He was a healthy 28-year-old man from Lea County.

Presbyterian says people shouldn't be alarmed. We are told the plan is similar to what might be put in place for other isolated emergencies.

The hospital has seen an increase in patient admissions because of people with flu-like symptoms—but not a substantial amount, according to a hospital spokesperson. About 30 percent of patients have flu concerns.

Chris Minnick of the New Mexico Department of Health says the deparrtment is seeing increased influenza activity across the state.

"Our influenza-like illnesses have doubled in the state in just the last week," he said.

Presbyterian staffers may have to come in on their days off to accommodate more patients. The elevated response could also affect your scheduled appointment.

Routine care such as a physical might be pushed back so more flu patients can be cared for. If you have an urgent matter, that would not be affected.

UNM Hospital has also activated its pandemic flu plan. Over the weekend, the hospital announced it saw an increase in adults coming in with flu-like symptoms and nearly doubled the amount of kids it normally sees.

Health officials say if you are feeling sick, call your doctor before heading to the hospital. But if you have serious symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, dehydration or you feel confused or dizzy, go to the doctor or emergency room right away.

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