Confluence Health’s emergency rooms are seeing seeing a higher volume of patients suffering from the flu or other respiratory-related issues this winter.

Corporate Communications Program Manager for Confluence Health, Adam MacDonald, said they have been experiencing high volumes of patients.

“It's essential that our community members understand that we will not turn away anyone who's seeking care but our capacity issues are a real challenge right now and longer wait times are inevitable,” MacDonald said.

Hospitals nationwide have been facing a similar issue of overcrowding, with patients experiencing influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory infections surging in recent weeks.

Often times. mild cases can be treated at home with bedrest and over-the-counter medications.

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