ILLINOIS (WAND) — The IDPH reports that emergency room admissions are trending upwards considerably for the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory viruses.

As local hospitals are seeing more patients, they've found beds are becoming less available. However, not every case requires an Emergency Room visit.

Dr. Kirk Bloomstrand, an Emergency Medicine Physician at OSF Heart of Mary in Urbana, said that it's important to properly evaluate what services you need. 

"This time of the year with flu season or respiratory illness season, the hospitals are quite busy. And so we really want to be prudent to make sure that people are utilizing the right facility for their symptoms." Bloomstrand explained.

He suggests saving the emergency room for life-threatening or severe illnesses. 

"If you're having mild symptoms cough, cold, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, those are symptoms that can be handled and treated appropriately at urgent care. As your primary care doctor or even online virtual care visits, are appropriate for that," said Dr. Bloomstrand.

Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, high fevers, chest pain.

For less serious cases, Dr. Bloomstrand said there are solutions for at-home-care as well.

"There are standard over-the-counter treatments such as Tylenol, ibuprofen. But specific treatment should be really guided by a, health care professional."

To prevent spreading the virus to others, Dr. Bloomstrand suggests maintaining distance.

"You need to, try to isolate yourself to try not to spread the viral illness. This time of year is hard, right? With the holidays, people, friends, family are getting around in small areas. And these viruses do spread rather quickly amongst, friends and family in confined areas," said Bloomstrand.

 As always, practicing good hygiene -- covering your coughs, covering your sneezes, and washing your hands frequently -- can help keep you and your loved ones healthy this holiday season.

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