As winter progresses, Yale New Haven Health has reported an increase in respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. The health system is advising the public on preventive measures and when to seek emergency care.
Yale New Haven Health recommends that people stay current with vaccinations, practice good hand hygiene, and remain at home if they feel unwell to help reduce the spread of infections. Patients and visitors are encouraged to wear masks at Yale New Haven Health facilities and are required to do so if they have a respiratory tract infection. Staff members must wear masks during patient interactions.
The health system urges individuals to call 911 or visit the Emergency Department for serious symptoms including chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden confusion or neurological changes, partial or full paralysis, major burns, or head injuries. Information about emergency department wait times and locations can be found on their website.
“Our Emergency Department is experiencing high patient volumes,” said Arjun Venkatesh, MD, chief of Emergency Medicine for Yale New Haven Hospital and chair of Emergency Medicine for Yale School of Medicine. “We encourage the community to understand when emergency care is necessary and when a primary care provider or other options may be more appropriate.”
For those experiencing symptoms like fever, body aches, cough or congestion, or upset stomach that are not life-threatening, contacting a primary care provider is recommended. Those without a primary care provider can use one of Yale New Haven Health’s Walk-In or Urgent Care Centers. Locations can be found at Walk-in Clinic, Illness & Injury Treatment | Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care.
Virtual visits are available around the clock for minor illnesses such as allergies, asthma, coughs and colds, headaches, sinus infections, joint pain and earaches. These virtual services are often covered by insurance.
Yale New Haven Health operates five hospitals—Bridgeport Hospital; Greenwich Hospital; Lawrence + Memorial Hospital; Westerly Hospital; and Yale New Haven Hospital—as well as specialty networks and Northeast Medical Group. The system is affiliated with Yale University and Yale Medicine.
More information can be found at Yale New Haven Hospital | Yale New Haven Health.
