"Quite a few patients came to our E.R. with gastrointestinal complaints," said Terry Celadon, vice president of patient care services for the Scotland Memorial Health Care System.
Celadon said Christmas Day and the day after were especially bad, but it slowed down this weekend.
"It is that time of year," Celadon said.
She said a lot of people come to the emergency room with upper respiratory problems, generally from colds and the flu. She attributed it to the colder weather.
The normal seasonal health issues, like upper respiratory viruses and ear aches, have been common.
"We have had some very sick patients come to our E.R.," Celadon said. On Sunday, the E.R. had over 130 visits while the average is between 80 and 90 visits a day.
"We will definitely see anyone who needs to be seen," Celadon said. "If it is not an emergency, they will have to wait a little while."
"If they have a primary care physician and it is not an emergency, contact them first," Celadon said. "Urgent Care is also an option."
Celadon had a couple of suggestions to help people stay clear of germs this cold season.
- Wash your hands - the best way to avoid sickness
- Keep surfaces clean.
- Use disinfectants.
- Use precautions when you have upper-respiratory viruses.
- Carry around hand-sanitizer when you leave home.
- When you are at the store, use wipes on your cart handle.
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