Early flu peak swamping medical offices

Jan 2, 2013 Flu season has hit the state hard, with some medical practices forced to bring on extra staff to handle the volume of cases. “Overwhelmed is a pretty accurate description,” Dr. Jim Ellis, medical director of MD 360 Convenient Care practices, told GreenvilleOnline.com. “We’ve had to increase our staff.”

Statewide, flu was first categorized as widespread on Nov. 24, said Lindsey Evans, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. Thirteen deaths have been confirmed since Sept. 30, she said.

In neighboring North Carolina, 14 people have died from the flu, according to The Associated Press.

Ellis said it started the week before Thanksgiving.
“We’ve seen a pretty dramatic increase in volumes,” he said. “And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.”

Continued: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130102/NEWS/301020010/Early-flu-peak-swamping-medical-offices