Respiratory Illness: The Strain on Healthcare Organizations

Throughout the late autumn and winter months, many individuals experience illnesses that impact their respiratory system. Colds and flu, COVID, pneumonia, and bronchitis can all become problematic and even land individuals in the hospital at times. This time period, known by medical professionals as “respiratory season,” requires a proactive approach in order to protect patients as much as possible.

Dr. Thomas George, Medical Director of Inpatient Services at Fort HealthCare, offers helpful information surrounding this season, including what individuals can do to prevent a trip to the emergency room.

The Rippling Effect of Influenza

Per Dr. George, the most at-risk patients to fall victim to respiratory season are people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease or those who are immunocompromised due to diseases such as cancer. This is especially concerning when it comes to the influenza virus—which can have a rippling effect on one’s overall health.

“Once someone is infected with the influenza virus, their lungs are compromised. Once their lungs are compromised, all the other vital organs, such as the kidneys, liver, heart, you name it, everything gets affected,” he states.

Importance of Vaccinations to Mitigate Respiratory Season Challenges

A significant concern surrounding respiratory season is the number of people needing care, and thus the number of hospitalizations, in combination with a national staffing shortage of all healthcare providers—from medical doctors to nurses. Dr. George explains why this is so troubling.

“We face the challenge of transferring patients to other services, other hospitals. When patients need a tertiary level of care, we do try to transfer patients out to other facilities. But, because of staff shortage, we are unable to do so,” he notes. “So, that puts us in a position of deciding about keeping those patients. And ultimately, it’s all because of the shortage.”

In order to help mitigate this challenge, Dr. George urges individuals to get their influenza vaccine each year—because flu strains mutate every year—as well as the COVID vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine when appropriate.

“Getting vaccinated not just helps yourself. You have to look at it as if you’re doing it for your parents, your grandparents, your kids, your wife, your partner, whoever it might be, because it prevents the transmission of illnesses that could result in a hospital visit.”

Finally, Dr. George offers reassurance that he, his colleagues, and health systems across the country are prepared to care for patients, no matter what—even if there is the issue of the staffing shortages.

“One thing we have learned from the COVID pandemic, is that we know how to build protocols and policies. Do we want another pandemic? No. Are we prepared for another one? Yes, we are. We are well prepared for it and other illnesses during the respiratory season. It absolutely helps to have systems and protocols in place.”