Parrish Emergency Medicine Experts Urge Flu Season Precautions to Avoid Trip to Hospital Emergency Department
- Category: Community, Emergency, Family Health
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TITUSVILLE, FLA. (January 16, 2026)—With flu in 2026 causing more than 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths across the country1, Parrish Medical Center’s Emergency Department Medical Director, Christopher Rajan, DO, is urging people to take symptoms seriously and use precautions to help prevent flu’s spread.
“This year’s flu strain is particularly hard on the elderly with preexisting conditions such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and on the very young,” says Dr. Christopher Rajan. “Since October, we’ve seen more than 200 flu cases in our emergency department. There was a significant spike in flu cases in December and January is currently on track to surpass our December flu case numbers.”
By scheduling a same-day or next-day appointment with a primary care provider or visiting a local urgent care center, individuals can receive care quickly while helping preserve emergency services for those whose flu cases are putting them in danger.
“Seeking care early before symptoms become serious will save you from a trip to the Emergency Department,” he said.
The figures of 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths are preliminary data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control, which estimates more than 15 million people have been sickened by flu this season.
Dr. Rajan notes that flu symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, fatigue and others can often be managed with rest, hydration and antiviral medications, when appropriate, as well as care through an individual’s primary care provider.
He said emergency care should be sought when flu-like symptoms signal a potentially serious complication. For children, some of the warning signs to seek emergency help include trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, chest pain or a fever above 104 degrees not controlled by fever-reducing medication. For adults, emergency warning signs may include persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, seizures or worsening of pre-existing chronic medical conditions.
Parrish Medical Group and Space Coast Health Centers provide same-day or next-day medical appointments. Urgent care centers are also good alternatives for needs occurring after-hours or on weekends, Dr. Rajan said.
To schedule a same-day or next-day primary care appointment with Parrish Medical Group, please call 321-268-6868. Or contact Space Coast Health Centers, located on Parrish Medical Center’s first floor, by calling 321-268-6836.
