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Flu Fear Swamps US Hospitals

System strained as people with mild symptoms demand swine flu tests

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 1, 2009 4:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hospitals and clinics across the country are being overwhelmed by panicky people seeking to be tested for swine flu, reports the Los Angeles Times. Experts warn the signs of strain already show that the system is ill-equipped to deal with a full-scale outbreak. Health officials struggling to cope with the influx are urging people not to over-react to mild flu symptoms by rushing in for testing.

"We don't want everybody who has a sniffle to come to have a culture, because that doesn't help us," San Francisco's health chief told the Chronicle. "As long as it remains a mild illness, we want people to stay home where they're not going to transmit the illness. They should come get help if they're having difficulty breathing, which is something we haven't seen yet."

[Images (2)]

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San Diego County micro-biologist Anna Liza Manlutac tests for the influenza virus at the San Diego County Public Health lab, (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Patients await their turn for medical care at the St. John's Well Child and Family Center in Los Angeles earlier this week. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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Do not demand testing. This is not helpful for anybody. What people need to be doing right now is—nothing special. - San Mateo County Health Officer
Dr. Scott Morrow

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COMMENTS

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skeptik

May 1, 2009 2:50 AM CDT

Ok everyone. Take a deep breath, cut back on the caffeine & calm down. Turn off the tv. What has happened to common sense in this country? Yes, there is a MILD virus going around. If, yes IF you do contract it, you will be ill for a day or two. Remember what your Mom told you? Wash your hands, cover your cough & if you don't feel good, take a nap. Simple

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Flu Fear Swamps US Hospitals