Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state public health emergency late Thursday as cases of the flu continue to rise, overwhelming the state’s medical personnel.

A proclamation said the health care facilities are overwhelmed by the number of ill patients and taxed to such an extent that care of patients may no longer be provided “in the traditional, normal and customary manner.”

The proclamation also directs state agencies to assist affected communities and entities. She also directed the Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Emergency Management Agency to seek federal assistance if needed.

The flu virus has been at a near-epidemic level in the Birmingham area as doctor’s offices and hospitals are overrun with patients. Last week, Huntsville-area hospitals issued an alert asking those with flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting.

Baptist Health System in Birmingham issued a similar flu alert advisory Thursday, warning the community that area hospitals are seeing a “significant surge in flu and other respiratory illness patients” and that emergency departments “have reached maximum capacity.”

Merrill South, the public relations manager for Baptist Health in Montgomery, said wait times have increased for non-emergency care and urged those with flu-like symptoms without signs of serious illness to first see their medical doctor or an urgent care facility before coming to an emergency room.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

Suzanne Johnson, director of Athens-Limestone Hospital’s emergency room, previously told The News Courier that anyone with those symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. If treated soon enough, doctors may prescribe Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), which can lessen the severity of virus.

“(A patient) has to be treated within 48 to 72 hours if it’s going to be effective,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t cure the flu, but it decreases the symptoms.”

Johnson said those who have been diagnosed should drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen may reduce fever and alleviate some symptoms.