BRAINERD — An increase in respiratory illnesses is prompting health officials to encourage residents to seek appropriate medical care. Essentia Health has announced expanded same-day and virtual care options in response to rising cases, particularly of influenza. The Minnesota Department of Health reported over 5,100 confirmed influenza cases statewide as of December 21, 2023, a significant rise from fewer than 1,900 cases just two weeks earlier.
Research indicates that approximately one in three visits to emergency departments are for conditions that do not require immediate attention. Essentia Health is urging patients to consider their symptoms carefully and select the care option that best matches their needs. This approach aims to ensure timely care while also keeping emergency departments available for patients with life-threatening conditions.
Choosing the Right Level of Care
Visiting an emergency department for non-emergency situations can lead to delays for patients who require urgent medical assistance. For those feeling unwell, Essentia Health provides several alternative care options based on specific symptoms.
Patients can access a variety of services through the MyChart patient portal, including:
– **24/7 Video Visit On Demand:** Available for many urgent needs, allowing patients to receive care anytime, anywhere.
– **E-Visit:** Online consultations with Essentia providers for common conditions, also available 24/7 through MyChart.
– **Primary Care or Virtual Video Visit:** Best for common illnesses such as cold symptoms, flu, sore throat, or mild rashes.
– **Urgent Care or Walk-in Care:** Recommended for low-grade fevers, migraines, persistent coughs, or mild ongoing nausea.
For serious conditions such as trouble breathing, chest pain, severe injury, or sudden weakness, patients should go directly to the emergency department.
Individuals unsure of where to begin can call the Essentia Nurse Care Line at 800-714-4646, access the MyChart app, or visit the Essentia Health same-day care webpage for immediate options.
Current Health Landscape
Christie Erickson, a nurse practitioner and associate chief medical officer for Essentia’s East Market, emphasized the importance of selecting the right level of care. “We have a number of ways to ensure our patients receive the right level of care, based on their symptoms,” she stated. “These include same-day options so we can get you in right away. We’re experiencing an especially challenging flu season, and we want to do everything we can to keep people healthy and out of the hospital.”
In Fargo, around 15% of emergency department visits in the past week have been related to influenza. The ongoing high rates of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are further stressing healthcare resources in the region.
As respiratory illnesses continue to rise, community members are encouraged to remain vigilant about their health and utilize available care options effectively to manage their symptoms.
