Marion County sees March record for flu reports in ERs

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Emergency rooms across Marion County are being flooded with patients who say they have the flu.

The Marion County Public Health Department said Tuesday that nearly 5 percent of visits to emergency rooms last week were for influenza like illnesses. That’s the highest percentage in March on record.

County health officials urged patients to visit their regular doctor, an urgent care facility or community health center before going to the emergency room.

Officials also said this year’s flu strains are covered by the flu shot and that it’s not too late to get vaccinated.