“There is currently a very high workload, and it is crucial to remind people with minor illnesses and those with long-term symptoms to seek care at primary healthcare centers, so that staff here can focus on patients who are critically ill or injured. Waiting times may be very long at the moment. It is also important to emphasize that face masks are mandatory and that only one accompanying person is permitted with a patient, if necessary,” says Kristín Ósk Hólm Ragnarsdóttir, Head Nurse of the Emergency Department at Akureyri Hospital.

Jón Pálmi Óskarsson, Chief Physician of the Emergency Department at Akureyri Hospital, points out that it is extremely important to distinguish between when it is appropriate to seek care at the Emergency Department and when primary healthcare is more suitable. “Those who present to the Emergency Department will be assessed by an experienced nurse as soon as possible. Patients whom the nurse assesses as not requiring emergency treatment will be directed to primary healthcare,” Jón Pálmi adds.

General guidance on whether to seek care at a primary healthcare center or the Emergency Department can be found here: Guidelines

Heilsuvera provides detailed information on various illnesses as well as useful advice regarding illness in children and adults. Further information about influenza can be found here: Influenza | Heilsuvera