The mix of icy sidewalks and peak flu season is creating a perfect storm for emergency rooms, says an ER doctor at Eagle Ridge Hospital.
Dr. Mike Mostrenko said ERs at both the Port Moody hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster are seeing a spike in fall-related injuries. And with the additional time it takes to put on a cast, the backlog is growing.
"I think this weather is getting the better of us. We're not really prepared for it," Mostrenko said. "We're seeing lots of falls, all sorts of wrist and elbow injuries, the elderly fall and break hips."
The number of injuries has been fluctuating, he added, coinciding with the first snowfall and then the freeze/thaw cycle.
"People assume because there's no fresh snow and the driveway is dry that it's safe, but unfortunately the snow melts and freezes over in a sheet of ice."
Combined with the increase in flu-related visits, Mostrenko said ER nurses and doctors are seeing well over a thousand patients each week when they would normally get about 900. Peak flu season is expected to continue into March, so it's not too late to get the flu shot.
As well, he offered advice for those who have the flu.
"People should stay home if they're sick," Mostrenko said. "Don't go to work and try to use your family doctor as opposed to the emergency room if you think you have the flu."
Visiting the ER with the flu puts at-risk patients — the elderly, pregnant women, children and those who are already sick — who are also there at risk of catching the bug.
Want to avoid the ER this winter?
Mostrenko said everyone should get immunized against the flu and to make sure their driveways and sidewalks are clear. And if you have any elderly neighbours, pitch in to help them out.
"We've seen a lot of elderly patients fall because they've been out trying to shovel," Mostrenko said. "Be a good neighbour… check on them, maybe shovel their driveway. They can't afford to have these injuries, it's so much more devastating at that age.
As a community we can look after them."
spayne@tricitynews.com
@spayneTC
