Seasonal spike in flu symptoms strains Sentara hospitals, emergency departments
If you feel sick, with mild to moderate symptoms, there are alternatives to the emergency department, also known as an emergency room. Sentara offers a self-assessment tool for deciding where to seek care, which could include a Sentara Urgent Care, a walk-in visit to a Sentara Family Medicine office or a Primary Care & Therapy Center, or a virtual visit with Sentara Virtual Care.
The Sentara Nurse Advice Line at 1-844-MY NURSE (696-8773) is ready to assist with medical advice and can help navigate urgent care if necessary.
Care for respiratory illness
Where you go to be treated for a respiratory illness depends on several factors:
1. Are you in a high-risk group? People in high-risk groups should get prompt medical attention to avoid illness progression or serious complications. Getting the fastest care may mean going directly to a walk-in or urgent care or seeking care at an emergency department, which is open 24/7.
If you fall into one of these categories, you are considered high-risk:
- Over the age of 65
- Compromised immune system
- Pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma
- Pregnant
2. How severe are your symptoms? If you’re not in a high-risk group, seeking the appropriate level of care for your illness can help you and make the best use of healthcare resources. For example, see your primary care doctor or a walk-in or urgent care clinic for mild symptoms. Do not go to the emergency department for mild symptoms.
Start with your primary care provider
If you can get a timely appointment with your primary care provider, this is the best way to get care and maintain continuity of care.
Remember that you can also see other care team members at your primary care office if available. Advanced care practitioners, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, can diagnose and prescribe medication for common illnesses.
If you need a primary care provider, Sentara Medical Group’s team of doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners is accepting new patients.
Sentara Walk-In Care
Sentara offers walk-in care at several Sentara Family Medicine Physician Group locations. These offices provide quick, convenient care without an appointment for these illnesses. You can also reserve a spot online at our Sentara Walk-In Care locations.
Find a Sentara Walk-In Care location near you.
Check with your health insurance for details on copays and billing for walk-in care.
Urgent Care
Sentara Urgent Care provides non-emergency care without an appointment. Sentara Urgent Care locations also have more flexible hours and provide care on evenings and weekdays. Hours vary by location.
Both walk-in care and urgent care locations are appropriate for respiratory concerns and offer testing to help determine the cause of the illness. Urgent care locations may also be equipped to offer more extensive test options such as imaging and blood testing.
Sentara Urgent Care offers urgent care locations across Virginia. Find a location near you and schedule your check-in time online for your convenience.
Emergency Departments
Emergency departments are available 24/7 and are appropriate for specific symptoms that indicate a need for immediate intervention. These general warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to arouse
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
If you’re a high-risk patient, the safest option is to go to the emergency department, but be prepared to wait while flu is at a seasonal peak in Virginia.
Find a Sentara emergency department near you.