A spike in influenza cases is causing problems for Canberra’s two hospital emergency departments, reports ABC News.
“The flu is a little bit later this year than usual and we’ve just seen the number increase over the last couple of weeks,” said ACT Health director-general Dr Peggy Brown.
Dr Brown is urging people with minor ailments to avoid using the emergency departments.
“The emergency departments are really for emergencies and life-threatening situations, if people have a more minor illness there are a range of other options available for them to seek care in the first instance,” she said.
She says alternatives include the nurse-led walk-in clinic and after-hours GPs.