This winter, the community has seen a rise in illnesses such as influenza, norovirus “stomach flu”, COVID-19, and RSV, impacting many individuals and families, it was stated in a news release from Glacial Ridge Health System.

 This situation is not unique to our community – clinics, ambulance services, and hospitals across the region and nation are experiencing similar challenges. “At Glacial Ridge Health System, we remain fully staffed and committed to providing the care our community relies on,” said Kirk Stensrud, CEO. “While seasonal illnesses have impacted some of our team, we continue to ensure a safe and healthy environment through established protocols and compassionate care for all.”

“We recognize how important it is for everyone to receive high-quality care, and we’re committed to being here for you,” said Josh Chan, Paramedic and Emergency Department Manager. “While wait times may be longer in some areas, we are working diligently to ensure care is provided as quickly and attentively as possible.”

What to Expect

•Wait Times: With increased patient visits, you may experience longer wait times in the Walk-In Clinic or ER. Patients with more serious conditions will be seen as quickly as possible based on staff triage decisions, which may affect wait times for others. Please know we are doing everything possible to care for all patients promptly.

•Hospital Capacity: “With many hospitalized patients, we are facing challenges admitting and transferring individuals with complex conditions,” Chief Nursing Officer Heather Hanson stated. “This may mean some individuals who are ill aren’t able to be admitted or transferred as usual. However, we are ensuring our patients receive advanced care. At Glacial Ridge, virtual care specialists are available to treat our sickest patients, providing high-level treatment even when transfers aren’t possible.”

•Care at Home: Some patients may be treated and discharged with clear instructions on how to recover safely at home and when to seek further medical attention if needed. 

Keeping yourself healthy

It’s important to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect against respiratory infections, especially for those in high-risk groups like infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Glacial Ridge encourages everyone to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones:

1. Practice Good Hygiene:

–Wash your hands often with soap and water. (Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus.)

–Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

–Stay away from others who are sick if possible, and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

2. Stay Hydrated: 

–Proper hydration is essential to support recovery from illness. It also helps prevent complications from dehydration that may require a trip to the ER for IV fluids, especially in older adults. Thirst is the beginning sign of dehydration. Drink water even when you don’t feel thirsty. 

3. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations:

–Vaccines for flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), pneumonia, and COVID-19 can help reduce severe illness, particularly for people with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems, who face a higher risk of complications. It is not too late. The respiratory illness season typically peaks between December and February, but it can last through spring. 

4. Stay Home When Unwell:

–If you or your family members are experiencing symptoms, rest at home to help prevent the spread of illness. General guidelines for isolation periods are 5 days for COVID-19 and until symptoms resolve for flu, norovirus, and RSV.

5. Consider Masking if High Risk:

–If you are at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions, consider wearing a high-quality mask in crowded, indoor spaces or if someone in your household has COVID-19. An N95 mask available offers you the best protection.

COVID-19 Treatment

If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of severe illness, early treatment within the first five days can make a difference. Paxlovid, available by prescription, is an antiviral commonly used to reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of hospitalization. For hospitalized patients, there are additional treatment options. Contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Supporting Our Community

“We are grateful for the understanding and cooperation of our community,” Stensrud shared. “Our staff remain committed to providing excellent care to everyone during this time of increased illnesses.”

For timely updates, information on illnesses – including symptoms and treatment, and tips for staying healthy, follow Glacial Ridge Health System on Facebook or visit glacialridge.org/news.