First the bad news: Widespread influenza activity overspreading the nation is taking its toll in the Lehigh Valley and northwest New Jersey.
The good news is this year's flu vaccine is effective against the strain going around, according to a medical expert at St. Luke's University Health Network.
Cases piled up enough at Lehigh Valley Hospital to prompt the opening announced Monday of a second, temporary emergency department at its Salisbury Township campus.
The "mobile surge tent" set up outside the existing emergency department will begin accepting patients experiencing flu-like symptoms Tuesday, a Lehigh Valley Health Network news release said Monday. Patients with flu-like symptoms should still report to the main emergency entrance for treatment, according to the release.
Setting up the ancillary department is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring the best level of care and protection for patients.
It's too early to tell how long the tent will remain open until more patients are seen, said health network spokesman Matthew Burns. The hospital needs to get a better understanding of patients' conditions, he said.
"It could grow or it could only be there for a week," Burns said.
18 deaths reported in U.S.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that for the week ending Dec. 29, widespread influenza ac..
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2013/01/lehigh_valley_hospital_sets_up.html#incart_river
.Lehigh Valley Hospital adds emergency space to help with flu cases
LVH Cedar Crest unit opens Tuesday.
Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest is opening an ancillary emergency space Tuesday to care for the growing number of people with flu-like symptoms
The hospital said a mobile surge tent is being set up outside the emergency department at the hospital.
Patients with flu-like symptoms still should report to the main emergency department check-in area for triage.
Health officials said this season is setting up to be a fierce one for influenza. Four people in Pennsylvania have died of complications during this flu season, according to the state Department of Health...
