Illinois H1N1 Flu Hotline Answering Medical Questions

From the Illinois Department of Public Health

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.

State’s Top Doc Gives Governor Seasonal Flu Shot

From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn

CHICAGO – Sept. 8, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold today encouraged Illinoisans to get a seasonal flu shot. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates more people getting sick with the flu this year because the seasonal flu and the new H1N1 flu strain will be circulating at the same time.

“The Illinois Department of Public Health has been hard at work preparing for the potential of increased illness this flu season because of the additional, new flu strain,” Governor Quinn said. “Staying healthy this flu season is going to be a shared responsibility – one that requires all of us to take action, like getting a flu shot.”

Each year an estimated five to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. Approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications from the flu and about 36,000 die annually. Flu symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above, headache, body aches, exhaustion, chills and weakness.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu is to get a flu shot every year,” Dr. Arnold said. “Everyone should also make sure they practice good health hygiene by following the 3 Cs - Clean – wash your hands frequently and properly to prevent the spread of germs; Cover – your cough and sneeze with a tissue or sleeve; and Contain – contain your germs by staying home when you are sick.”

The flu is spread through coughing or sneezing. People can also get the flu by touching objects carrying the virus, such as telephones and door knobs, and then touching their mouth or nose.

Young children, people with chronic medical conditions and the elderly are at higher risk of complications from seasonal flu and it is critical they get a seasonal flu shot. However, with the H1N1 flu circulating simultaneously, Dr. Arnold is encouraging all Illinoisans, except those with contraindications, to get a seasonal flu shot this year.

Some people may experience mild symptoms for a few days after being vaccinated and soreness at the injection site. However, a person does not contract the flu from getting a flu shot.

The seasonal flu shot does not protect against H1N1. The CDC is developing a vaccine for H1N1 flu, which is separate from the seasonal flu vaccine. Initial shipments of H1N1 vaccine are expected to be available in mid-October. The H1N1 vaccine is intended to be used in addition to seasonal flu vaccine. For more information log onto www.ready.illinois.gov and www.flu.gov.

IL Dept of Public Health Says H1N1 (Swine Flu) Still a Threat

June 3, 2009

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,268 cases of H1N1 influenza in Illinois and four people diagnosed with the virus, all with underlying medical conditions, have died.

“We must continue to take precautions to avoid getting sick – such as washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home if you’re sick,” said Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois Department of Public Health Director. “The H1N1 influenza virus continues to circulate in Illinois, in the U.S. and throughout the world, and everyone, but especially those with underlying medical conditions, needs to take steps to avoid getting the flu.”

Like seasonal influenza, some people may be at greater risk of serious complications related to novel H1N1 infection and illness. People who are at high risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications include pregnant women, children younger than 5-year- old, people with chronic medical conditions and people 65-years and older. Examples of chronic medical conditions include diabetes, asthma, heart disease and lung disease.

Two of the Illinois H1N1 influenza related deaths were Chicago residents, one a suburban Cook County resident and the fourth a Kane County resident. For confidentiality reasons and out of respect for the families, the Illinois Department of Public Health is not releasing any additional information about the four deaths.

Dr. Arnold said the Department will continue to monitor the state for signs of increased virulence of H1N1 flu.

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Nine Confirmed H1N1 Flu Cases in Illinois

From the Illinois Department of Public Health

SPRINGFIELD – Officials with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reporting nine confirmed cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) in Illinois and 90 probable cases.

“We continue to see cases of H1N1 flu here in Illinois, but most have been mild. However, we should not become complacent. People need to continue to take precautions to stay healthy by following the three C’s – Clean – properly wash your hands frequently, Cover – cover your cough and sneeze, Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold.

For a breakdown of counties, and the city of Chicago, as well as additional information, log onto ready.illinois.gov for more information. There is also a hotline number for Illinois residents for easy access to information about the H1N1 flu (swine flu). The hotline (866-848-2094 for English, 866-241-2138 for Spanish) will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for as long as needed. Hotline operators will be equipped to answer basic, non-medical questions related to the outbreak and will be able to refer callers to additional information sources.