(SEVIERVILLE, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE – Doctors at LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville say they’ve seen an increase in flu patients in the past week.
Dr. Aaron Schott at LeConte Medical Center said specially they’ve seen a spike in influenza A. He said this illness has a long drawn out infectious phase where patients report symptoms weeks after the infection. He said these symptoms include cough, congestion, fevers, nausea, muscle aches, etc.
“We are certainly busy but always able and happy to care for our Sevierville residents and visitors,” said Dr. Schott. “There is no ‘max capacity’ for us as we consistently find ways to help and treat our patients as quickly and thoroughly as possible.”
Dr. Schott said people who have pre-existing medical conditions should pay close attention at the first sign of symptoms. He said it’s better to see a doctor to be checked out sooner rather than later if it is the flu.
“It seems most patients report symptoms of extreme fatigue, cough and congestion, muscle aches and weakness, nausea and inability to eat or drink, chest pain and shortness of breath,” he added.
Handwashing is the first thing Dr. Schott said would be helpful to keep well this flu season. He says if you come in contact with someone who has the flu, it’s good to keep a safe distance from them.
He added that eating well, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest can help all flu season.
He added, “Avoiding stress, and the things we can all do on a daily basis, while often tough with our busy lives, can help during this season.”
The Tennessee Department of Health conducts year-round influenza surveillance and publishes a weekly flu report summarizing influenza activity across the state. Currently Tennessee remains in the widespread category for flu.
One response
Just wondering how the current flu vaccine is holding up under the influenza A that is going around?