WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Huntsville Hospital swamped by people fearing flu
Member Center:
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - Officials at Huntsville Hospital say the emergency room has been flooded by people fearing they have contracted swine flu.
Dr. Thomas Calvert, who co-directs the hospital's emergency services, said up to 100 more people than normal have come in over a 12-hour period.
He said none of the people had the top risk factors for the swine flu, which include travel to Mexico or contact with someone who has been sick for more than seven days.
Hospital officials addressed the public in English and Spanish Monday to answer questions and try to calm people's fear.
No cases have been reported in Alabama. Calvert said such frenzies hurt emergency rooms because it diverts resources from people who really do need immediate care.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. Notify us of any inappropriate comments by clicking the “Mark as Offensive” link. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
