CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (KRON) — Contra Costa County Health Services and Kaiser Permanente say that if you have a common illness like a cold, you can treat it at home.
Officials said they wanted to avoid overcrowding hospitals, so they urged people to go to hospitals only if they were seriously ill or in emergencies.
Officials say we’re in the midst of a trifecta — with nurses and doctors still busy treating COVID-19, flu and RSV patients.
As of Wednesday, 75 residents of the county were hospitalized with COVID-19, 10 of whom were in intensive care.
The number of Covid cases in hospitals has fallen since December, but health officials say hospitals and ambulances are particularly hard hit during the winter virus season.
Officials are launching a campaign to get people to recover safely at home rather than in medical centers. Officials said go to the hospital or call 911 only in an emergency.
That could reduce long wait times for people visiting doctors’ offices and emergency rooms throughout the community, officials said. However, if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, or severe muscle pain, these symptoms may require emergency care.
If you are sick, officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, resting, taking over-the-counter medications to reduce fever or pain, and getting tested for COVID-19 and flu.
These simple steps can help treat the most common ailments and help doctors and nurses focus on medical emergencies.
