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State establishes a help line for those suffering flu-like symptoms
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By T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter
Minnesotans suffering flu-like symptoms have a help line to call day or night for medical advice. Last week the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) unveiled the Minnesota FluLine, a free, statewide help line at 1-866-259-4655 where those feeling sick can get referrals, talk to a nurse, even get a prescription over the phone.
MDH Commissioner Dr. Sanne Magnan called the help line, believed to be the first in the nation, another tool in the pandemic treatment toolbox.
The idea behind it, Magnan explained, is to provide consistent, accurate medical information to people while lightening the burden on the health care system. It allows people to be treated at home, she explained.
Paid for by federal funding
The flu line, paid for by federal funding, is not meant for people seeking general flu information but for those suffering symptoms, Magnan stressed.
It’s a public-private partnership, with some 50 lines being available — foreign language interpreters on staff — operating from a location kept secret for security reasons.
Some callers to the flu line will be able to obtain prescriptions for anti-viral medications — the prescriptions will be sent to local pharmacies.
Flu symptoms include a fever of a 100 degrees or more, coughs, chills and other symptoms.
People considered at highest risk for complications include children under two, people over 65, pregnant women and people with other health conditions.
Unlike some other flu strains, younger people, not older people, are generally at greatest health risks with the novel H1N1 virus.
“They’re a little nervous,” said Magnan of some flu symptom suffers.
Doctor visit may spread virus
And because the H1N1 pandemic is a concern to many, people who normally would simply stay home and rest might be tempted to visit the doctor’s office — an action that can help spread the virus.
One of the surest ways of putting a “lid” on the H1N1 pandemic are vaccines stated Minnesota State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield.
So far Minnesota has received about 170,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine, both nasal and those administered by shots.
“The vaccine is coming in a little slower than all of us would have liked,” said Lynfield. “But it is coming,” she said. Eventually there will be enough for everyone, Lynfield explained.
That shipments are coming in even at this date is really “incredible” when considering that the determination of the H1N1 virus was only made in April, she said.
215 schools reported outbreaks
Although updated MDH statistics on the spread of flu in the state were not released until after this report was written, some 215 schools reported outbreaks from Oct. 4-10.
“The flu circulating right now is almost all the new H1N1 virus,” said Lynfield.
Seasonal flu typically appears in December and January, she explained.
What is unusual is that there has been so many flu-like illnesses currently being reported, she added.
Magnan stressed basic ways of preventing the spread of flu — frequent washing of hands, covering coughs, and if feeling sick, staying at home.
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