Indianapolis hospitals are facing a surge in COVID-19, flu and RSV patients, leading to crowded emergency departments and longer wait times.
The Marion County Public Health Department urged people to avoid emergency rooms unless they have severe symptoms, like trouble breathing or a high fever. Those with milder symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or low fever, should go to pharmacy clinics or urgent care.
“Right now we’re seeing a fairly significant spike in a short amount of time,” said Dr. Tyler Stepsis, who heads the emergency department at Eskenazi Health. Between December and the first week of January, Eskenazi Hospital saw nearly 600 patients with respiratory illnesses — 345 flu cases, 168 COVID-19 cases and 60 RSV cases. The true number of cases is likely higher, Stepsis said, because the hospital does not test every patient.
It’s a similar story at Franciscan Health Indianapolis, which had at least 34 patients with respiratory illnesses as of Thursday afternoon. The hospital is full, said Vince Corbin, who manages the emergency department. That’s leading to the admission of more patients in the emergency room while waiting for free beds.
The caseload seems to be easing up at other Indy hospitals.
“Last week we were bursting at the seams in our emergency departments,” said Kris Kirschner, a spokesperson for Community Health Network. “This week not so much. We may be full at a couple of hospitals, but we are not over capacity.”
At least 45 people in Indiana have died from the flu this season, and there have been 597 new COVID-19 cases reported since the beginning of the year. Visitor restrictions on people who are sick or under the age of 18 remain in place at Indianapolis hospitals to reduce the spread. Restrictions can vary by location, so look at a hospital’s website or call ahead to learn more.
Many patients who end up in the emergency room tried to see their primary care doctors first, Stepsis said, only to find that they couldn’t get in.
“It seems like everyone needs a doctor’s note when they have an unexcused absence for work,” Stepsis said. “When you can’t get that from your primary care doctor, you come to the emergency department. That’s not a great use of resources.”
The Marion County Public Health Department recommends hand washing, disinfecting commonly used surfaces, getting vaccinated and staying home if you feel sick.
“There are vaccines available that protect against these viruses, and it’s not too late,” said Melissa McMasters, the administrator of the health department’s immunization and infectious disease program.
Vaccine locations can be found online.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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