Commonground
Senior Moderator
Polk County
Joint statement from Des Moines Health Care Coalition partners: Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne, Polk County Health Department, The Iowa Clinic, and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 9, 2026) — Central Iowa hospitals and clinics are seeing very high levels of influenza and other respiratory illness activity, leading to increased demand across emergency departments and inpatient units. Health care systems across the region are coordinating closely to manage patient volumes and ensure care remains available for those who need it most.
Knowing where to go for care is especially important during periods of high hospital demand.
When to Use Primary Care, Urgent Care, or Telehealth
Use your primary care provider, an urgent care clinic, or a telehealth visit if you have:
When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to the emergency department or call 911 if you or a loved one experiences:
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/heal...ss-activity-impacting-central-iowa-hospitals/
Joint statement from Des Moines Health Care Coalition partners: Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne, Polk County Health Department, The Iowa Clinic, and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 9, 2026) — Central Iowa hospitals and clinics are seeing very high levels of influenza and other respiratory illness activity, leading to increased demand across emergency departments and inpatient units. Health care systems across the region are coordinating closely to manage patient volumes and ensure care remains available for those who need it most.
Knowing where to go for care is especially important during periods of high hospital demand.
When to Use Primary Care, Urgent Care, or Telehealth
Use your primary care provider, an urgent care clinic, or a telehealth visit if you have:
- Mild fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, or fatigue
- Mild to moderate symptoms that are uncomfortable but stable
- Questions about antiviral medications or symptom management
- Recent exposure to influenza without severe symptoms
When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to the emergency department or call 911 if you or a loved one experiences:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- New confusion, inability to wake, or extreme lethargy
- Bluish lips or face
- Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen
- In children: fast or labored breathing, not drinking fluids, or difficulty waking
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/heal...ss-activity-impacting-central-iowa-hospitals/