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.<\/p>\n
Emergency room doctor Kyle Parker said the busiest day in the ER will be the day after the holidays, as nobody wants to go \u201cbah humbug\u201d on the day itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s definitely common, especially around the holidays, people just end up delaying care,\u201d Dr. Parker said.<\/p>\n
One illness many families will watch out for is the flu, which Dr. Parker says is normally minor.<\/p>\n
Data from both federal and state health authorities show the number of flu cases is increasing. Georgia has \u201chigh\u201d flu-like illness, while Florida is still classified as \u201clow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re otherwise healthy, you don\u2019t have asthma or underlying breathing difficulties, I think it\u2019s reasonable to treat your symptoms with over-the-counter meds, get plenty of rest. But ultimately use your judgment,\u201d the doctor said.<\/p>\n
More news out of the Big Bend:<\/p>\n
Frankly, Dr. Parker said they are more worried about electric scooters and bikes; many families might have those wrapped under the tree right now.<\/p>\n
Ever since manufacturers put in a motor, there\u2019s been a great rise in head injuries \u2014 especially in kids who don\u2019t wear helmets.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u2019t stress enough every time they\u2019re on it, they need a helmet,\u201d Dr. Parker said.<\/p>\n
According to federal regulators, more than 200,000 children end up in the ER each year because of toy-related injuries.<\/p>\n
Tune into Eyewitness News at 5 and 6 p.m. for the full story. This article will be updated later this evening with more details. <\/p>\n
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