Bellin Health is encouraging community members to seek the right care at the right time amid a spike in holiday-season illnesses.
“With all the holiday gatherings and numerous viruses circulating in our communities, it’s no surprise we are seeing a jump in upper respiratory illnesses, stomach bugs and more in our hospitals and clinics,” said Emergency Physician Dr. Brad Burmeister. “We want to give community members the information and tools they need to seek appropriate care, while ensuring emergency care is reserved for those who truly need it.
“It is also worth noting that most common colds can be treated at home. Over-the-counter medications and proper hydration and rest are often the best remedies for seasonal viruses.”
Knowing where and when to seek care can seem confusing, so Bellin providers are offering the following reminders:
Emergency vs. Urgent Care
Life-threatening problems need emergency care. Urgent Care is for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
Emergency Care
• Emergency care is for an injury, illness or symptom so severe that a delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be hazardous to life or health.
o Such life-threatening major illnesses or injuries could include severe chest pain, seizures, loss of awareness, difficulty breathing or severe burns.
• Patients who are experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 911 and get to the Emergency Room for appropriate care.
• Bellin Health Emergency Department locations (Green Bay and Oconto) are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Urgent Care and FastCare
• For situations like broken bones, cuts requiring stitches and minor ailments, patients can usually go to Urgent Care.
• This is generally the best place for urgently needed testing for influenza, COVID-19 and other viruses, provided life-threatening symptoms are not present.
• Bellin Health Urgent Care locations are open seven days a week. Hours and more information are available at bellin.org/urgentcare.
• Bellin Health FastCare can also provide assessment and treatment for simple acute illnesses, seven days a week. Information is available at bellin.org/fastcare.
Convenient, Accessible Options: Virtual Visits and Bellin Health Fastlane
• Virtual Visits include e-visits and video visits available through the MyBellinHealth patient portal. They are convenient telemedicine options for non-emergent concerns. Most respiratory illnesses can be evaluated through these virtual options.
• Bellin Health Fastlane offers drive-through access to a variety of testing options, including blood pressure checks, labs, rapid flu, strep and COVID-19 tests and more. It is open five days a week at Bellin Health Ashwaubenon. Fastlane also offers vaccines and other services. Please note that appointments are required and can be scheduled through the MyBellinHealth patient portal.
Answers and Guidance, 24-7
• Patients who have non-life-threatening symptoms and need guidance on the appropriate level of care may call Bellin’s 24-7 nursing hotline at (920) 445-7373.
• Bellin also offers a convenient online guide to right care at the right time. This information can be accessed at bellin.org/services/care-options.
Vaccines, Prevention Play Key Role
Community members are reminded to take an active role in their own health and that of their families during this time of high seasonal illness.
“It’s not too late to get your COVID-19, seasonal flu or RSV vaccine,” Burmeister said. “If you’re ill, please stay home, cover your cough and practice good hand hygiene to keep from spreading sickness. A little prevention can go a long way.”