The flu is widespread in New York. In a recent report from the New York State Department of Health, it was found that the number of patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza has increased by more than 50% in recent weeks.
The emergency room and outpatient facilities at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center have reported higher than average numbers of flu-related cases. In fact, preliminary data indicates the hospital has received nearly as many flu cases in January and February of this year than it has all of last year.
Heightened activity this flu season, and the severity of symptoms caused by the virus has led to a pattern of which hospital physicians such as Dr. Luigi Tullo have been keeping a watchful eye. “As the cold and flu season approaches its peak, more patients are going to their physicians in hope of receiving antibiotics,” shared Dr. Tullo. “Unfortunately, many think that antibiotics are the answer but they are not best when treating the flu.”
Antibiotics are appropriate when treating bacterial infections, but not for viruses such as the flu. Over-prescribing antibiotics can lead to the drugs becoming less effective when they are really needed.
Dr. Tullo, a Family Medicine physician and his colleagues, along with the assistance of the United Hospital Fund developed the Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Program at Jamaica Hospital in an effort to educate our community about the proper uses of antibiotics.
As part of its community outreach, the program has utilized several avenues of communication such as posters, prescription pads and patient to doctor discussions to inform people about the hazards of antibiotics misuse. Recently, Dr. Tullo participated in an interview with NY1 News in hopes to reach the public and educate everyone who watched.
Jamaica Hospital strives to do the best for our patients and hopes that through our efforts, we can improve the long-term health of the community. Since the implementation of the hospital’s Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship program, a preliminary review has shown a 32% decline in total antibiotics prescribed and a 39.9% decrease in antibiotics prescribed for Acute Respiratory Illnesses.
Watch the NY1 Interview Here: