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Looking to unclog emergency rooms, New York City Health Department to start FluLine
By Staten Island Advance
November 18, 2009, 1:50PM
<META content="" name=Title><META content="" name=Keywords><META content=Word.Document name=ProgId><META content="Microsoft Word 2008" name=Generator><META content="Microsoft Word 2008" name=Originator><LINK href="http://blog.silive.com/latest_news/2009/11/file://localhost/Users/vareitano/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml" rel=File-List>hotline to help combat the peak influenza season that is currently approaching.
Through Fluline, 311 operators will assist residents with information on what to do should they or a family member become ill with a flu-like illness, according to Health Commissioner Thomas Farley.
Flu-like illness is defined as a fever with a cough or sore throat. Callers will be connected to a registered nurse who will be able to provide information on how to handle the symptoms and where to go for care. The FluLine is meant to prevent long lines at hospital emergency departments during the peak of the influenza season.
"The city is activating the New York City FluLine to help New Yorkers decide if they need medical care for symptoms that might be a sign of influenza," Farley said. "If you think you might have influenza, and you can't reach a regular health care provider, try calling New York City FluLine before going to an emergency room. It may save you the time and cost."
New York City is currently experiencing less influenza activity than the rest of the East Coast, but the numbers have risen slightly since September. The Health Department still recommends flu vaccines, pointing out they are the best way to combat both the H1N1 and seasonal flu this year. Priority groups for H1N1 vaccines include: pregnant women, children and young adults from 6 months to 24-years-old, people between the ages of 25 and 60 with pre-existing conditions, people who live with or care for children younger than 6-months, and health care and emergency medical workers.
More information on New York City's preparation and procedures for the influenza season can be found on nyc.gov/flu.<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O
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http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/new_york_city_health_departmen.html
By Staten Island Advance
November 18, 2009, 1:50PM
<META content="" name=Title><META content="" name=Keywords><META content=Word.Document name=ProgId><META content="Microsoft Word 2008" name=Generator><META content="Microsoft Word 2008" name=Originator><LINK href="http://blog.silive.com/latest_news/2009/11/file://localhost/Users/vareitano/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml" rel=File-List>hotline to help combat the peak influenza season that is currently approaching.
Through Fluline, 311 operators will assist residents with information on what to do should they or a family member become ill with a flu-like illness, according to Health Commissioner Thomas Farley.
Flu-like illness is defined as a fever with a cough or sore throat. Callers will be connected to a registered nurse who will be able to provide information on how to handle the symptoms and where to go for care. The FluLine is meant to prevent long lines at hospital emergency departments during the peak of the influenza season.
"The city is activating the New York City FluLine to help New Yorkers decide if they need medical care for symptoms that might be a sign of influenza," Farley said. "If you think you might have influenza, and you can't reach a regular health care provider, try calling New York City FluLine before going to an emergency room. It may save you the time and cost."
New York City is currently experiencing less influenza activity than the rest of the East Coast, but the numbers have risen slightly since September. The Health Department still recommends flu vaccines, pointing out they are the best way to combat both the H1N1 and seasonal flu this year. Priority groups for H1N1 vaccines include: pregnant women, children and young adults from 6 months to 24-years-old, people between the ages of 25 and 60 with pre-existing conditions, people who live with or care for children younger than 6-months, and health care and emergency medical workers.
More information on New York City's preparation and procedures for the influenza season can be found on nyc.gov/flu.<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O
></O> http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/new_york_city_health_departmen.html