Getting Answers to H1N1 Flu Questions

October 13, 2009

Public Health, United Way and Area Health Providers Collaborate to Create Info Resources.

For Dane County residents who have questions about H1N1 flu related symptoms, treatment, vaccine or other concerns, there are a number of ways to get useful answers.

If you have a regular health care provider, your best source of answers is your primary care provider or home health provider. This is especially important if you or a family member has flu-like symptoms. They will help you assess whether or not you or your family member may need medical attention.

If you do not have a health care provider or home health agency, you can call 211 or 246-HELP. The 211 service is provided by United Way of Dane County and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide people with a variety of helpful information and links to social and medical services. Most cases of flu-like illness require self-care measures such as rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying home until you are free of symptoms.

Another good source of comprehensive information about the flu can be found on Public Health Madison & Dane County's website at: www.publichealthmdc.com/h1n1news. This site provides regularly updated information about both H1N1 and the seasonal flu. The site also provides easy to access information for parents of school age children, businesses, healthcare providers, college students, pregnant women, and other groups regarding symptoms, vaccinations, and prevention tips as well as links to a variety of useful resources.

Public Health is working with United Way 211, Dane County health care providers and home health agencies to develop a Dane County Collaborative Triage system. Dane County residents with questions related to H1N1 should: