TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – This holiday season, a Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare ER doctor says teenagers and younger children are far more likely to die from an accident than the flu, even while cases increase across the Big Bend.
Emergency room doctor Kyle Parker said the busiest day in the ER will be the day after the holidays, as nobody wants to go “bah humbug” on the day itself.
“That’s definitely common, especially around the holidays, people just end up delaying care,” Dr. Parker said.
One illness many families will watch out for is the flu, which Dr. Parker says is normally minor.
Data from both federal and state health authorities show the number of flu cases is increasing. Georgia has “high” flu-like illness, while Florida is still classified as “low.”
“If you’re otherwise healthy, you don’t have asthma or underlying breathing difficulties, I think it’s reasonable to treat your symptoms with over-the-counter meds, get plenty of rest. But ultimately use your judgment,” the doctor said.
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Frankly, Dr. Parker said they are more worried about electric scooters and bikes; many families might have those wrapped under the tree right now.
Ever since manufacturers put in a motor, there’s been a great rise in head injuries — especially in kids who don’t wear helmets.
“I would really not recommend more than one person at a time on some of these vehicles. That definitely increases your risk for falling or injury and I just can’t stress enough every time they’re on it, they need a helmet,” Dr. Parker said.
According to federal regulators, more than 200,000 children end up in the ER each year because of toy-related injuries.
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