Illinois H1N1 Flu Hotline Answering Medical Questions

              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
December 3, 2009 Melaney Arnold 217-558-0500 (IDPH)
Kelly Jakubek 312-814-8198 (IDPH)
www.idph.state.il.us
Illinois H1N1 Flu Hotline Answering Medical Questions
English and Spanish lines available
SPRINGFIELD – In addition to answering general questions about influenza, vaccine and
treatment, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold today announced
that trained medical professionals are now available to answer medical questions about H1N1
influenza that come into the Illinois Flu Hotline. The Illinois Department of Public Health
(IDPH) is partnering with the Illinois Poison Center to staff the hotline with health care
professionals.
“As H1N1 influenza continues to circulate in Illinois, we know people have many questions,
especially when it comes to seeking medical treatment,” said Dr. Arnold. “Through our
partnership with the Illinois Poison Center, trained medical staff can help callers determine when
to see a doctor, if emergency treatment is needed, how to care for sick family members and when
it’s advisable to return to work or school. The more information people have about H1N1
influenza, the better able we are to reduce illness.”
Having medical professional staff answer H1N1 influenza questions will help reduce the number
of calls to local health departments, hospitals and health providers and allow doctors and nurses
more time to vaccinate individuals and take care of patients.
“Poison centers are open 24/7, staffed with medical experts such as doctors, nurses and
pharmacists who are ready to serve the health care needs of individuals seeking assistance,” said
Dr. Michael Wahl, Medical Director of the Illinois Poison Center. “It’s a natural fit for the IPC
and our existing infrastructure to be part of the first response to answer calls from concerned
Illinoisans seeking information during the H1N1 flu outbreak.”
The number for the Illinois Flu Hotline is 866-848-2094 for English and 866-241-2138 for
Spanish. Additional H1N1 influenza information can also be found at www.ready.illinois.gov
and www.flu.gov.
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