For Southwest Georgia residents, access to up-to-date information on Pandemic H1N1 Influenza, also known as Swine Flu, is only a phone call away – and the call is toll-free.
“By calling 1-800-829-2255, you will get current and credible information about influenza,” said Southwest Health District Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant. “Information ranges from symptoms of influenza to how to care from someone at home. The recording is approximately 10 minutes long. Listeners have the option to choose a Spanish version or to select more information on certain topics.”
The hotline can help individuals determine the best course of action to protect their health and the health of their families. It will be updated regularly to reflect changing conditions or new recommendations concerning influenza-like illnesses, Grant said.
“This resource isn’t intended to replace your healthcare provider. It is a way to help you make good choices,” she stressed. “Most people with H1N1 recover at home without medical attention, just as they do with regular seasonal flu. Unless they fall into a high risk group, the majority of those with influenza-like illness won’t need to see a doctor.”
Yet worried well and people with mild symptoms have flooded
healthcare providers throughout the District since schools began opening
and students began falling ill to the fast-spreading, highly-contagious
new virus.
“Many of our partner healthcare agencies have reported crowds
in their emergency departments and waiting rooms,” said Grant. “This
is a concern because it stresses our healthcare system, can deplete
limited resources and also exposes people in the waiting areas to
H1N1.”
The Flu Hotline gives listeners information on how influenza
spreads; ways to prevent it from spreading; symptoms; how to provide
homecare to those with influenza-like illness; who is at risk of
developing severe infections and what they should do if they develop
symptoms or are exposed to someone with symptoms; and the warning signs
that indicate immediate medical attention is needed.
In addition, Dougherty County’s new 3-1-1 information line
will refer callers with questions about influenza-like illness to the
Flu Hotline and will post general flu information on its Web page, Grant
said.
“As you can see, this is a real community effort,” said
Grant. “It offers benefits to everyone.”
More information is available by calling local county health departments or by going online to www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org.
Carolyn Maschke
Risk Communications/Public Information Officer
Georgia Health District 8, Unit 2
1109 North Jackson Street
Albany, GA 31701
(229) 430-1969
fax: (229) 430-5143
Email: cwmaschke@dhr.state.ga.us
