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Technology helps cut wait times during bad flu season

Posted at 6:15 PM, Feb 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-20 19:15:58-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Officials at Saint Luke's Health System told 41 Action News this flu season has been one of the busiest they have seen in years.

"We're seeing large numbers of patients. The flu season has really hit hard in the community," said Jessica Pepper, area manager of Saint Luke's Community Care Clinics.

Patients such as Mary Cecena wouldn't normally see the doctor for a common cold, but with wide-spread flu, patients are filling up waiting rooms across the metro.

"I've got nine little grandchildren that come in and out of my house and I don't need to be passing around those kind of germs to those little ones," Cecena said.

Cecena told 41 Action News she was lucky, getting in and out of the doctor's office in less than an hour. Other patients have spent much more time waiting. Pepper said it depends on the location and time of day.

"Sometimes, there could be up to 90 minutes to longer depending on how many people are waiting to be seen already," Pepper said.

To avoid long wait times, Saint Luke's is turning to technology.

"We have an app called Saint Luke's 24/7 which allows you to have access from your couch, from the airport, from your work, if you can't get away that day," Dr. Marsha Weaver said.

Weaver said the app is geared towards patients with mild cases, but can be used with patients who believe they have the flu.

"If you come into the office, we are able to perform a nasal swab and come up with a definitive diagnosis, but oftentimes it's the clinical symptoms that will lead us to treatment," Weaver said.

If you want to feel better sooner rather than later, doctors suggest you pay attention to your symptoms.

"There is medication for that and it has to be given within the first 48 hours. So, if you're worried about the flu, you want to be seen quickly and get started on that medicine," Pepper said.

If you have the flu or have been sick recently, Pepper said you want to be fever-free for 48 hours before returning to work or school.

Doctors say it's not too late to get your flu shot, as flu season could extend into April.