As flu cases rise across Mid-Missouri , Boone Health and MU Health Care are urging patients with mild symptoms to consider telehealth and other alternatives instead of seeking care at overcrowded emergency rooms.

Boone Health’s emergency department has seen more than 100 patients per day in recent weeks, surpassing normal averages.

“Boone Health has not been immune to the flu surge in Mid-Missouri. We have certainly seen a significant increase in cases here, both in the number of people who have been admitted to the hospital as well as those that are coming into our emergency room,” said Christian Basi, Boone Health’s director of marketing and communications.

To manage the high patient volume, Boone Health has designated a specific area in its emergency department for flu patients, reducing exposure risks for others while improving efficiency in treatment. Additionally, Boone’s clinics offer telehealth services for patients whose symptoms do not require in-person care.

MU Health Care is seeing similar demand and is also directing patients toward On-Demand Telehealth, where providers can evaluate mild illnesses, such as the flu, sinus infections, pink eye, rashes, ear infections and seasonal allergies.

According to MU Health Care’s website, more serious conditions such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or worsening flu symptoms may require in-person evaluation.

Dr. Sarah Swofford, medical director for ambulatory virtual care at MU Health Care, said the increase in respiratory illnesses has put a strain on hospitals. "This influenza surge is worse, mostly in the number of patients that have been sick, but also in the severity of this current influenza surge," Swofford said.

For some patients, telehealth is an appealing option because they want to avoid exposure to contagious illnesses in a waiting room. "Certainly, a proportion of my patients are electing to address their health concerns on telehealth because of a fear of getting exposed to other pathogens," Swofford said.

MU Health Care’s On-Demand Telehealth is available from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. The service is in-network with multiple insurance providers. Boone Health also provides telehealth through its clinics, and in response to increased demand, has expanded hours at its Convenient Care Clinic on the Business Loop. The clinic is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with additional providers to reduce wait times.

Both hospitals emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as flu vaccinations, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing in crowded areas. As flu season continues, telehealth remains a key option for patients seeking quick, accessible care while reducing strain on Mid-Missouri’s healthcare system.