First Line of Defense for H1N1 Flu is the Phone
Current media attention forecasting the arrival of H1N1 flu vaccines in the next few weeks1 and stories about its potential as a pandemic2 have people focused on medicinal cures and treatments rather than prevention or perspective, according to Dr. Steven Marcus, Executive Medical Director of the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES). “The viral nature of this latest flu strain should be cause for greater use of the phone as the public’s first line of defense to reduce spread of infection,” Marcus notes. State residents can call trained medical professionals at the NJPIES hotline (1-800-222-1222) to get information about various flu strain symptoms, prevention measures, as well as treatments and proper dosages.
Public health officials agree that most cases of this season’s flu, including the H1N1 strain, will not require medical intervention, and will be best treated the old-fashioned way with bed rest and plenty of fluids. Those considered most at risk are those historically at highest risk for the flu, including pregnant women and people with preexisting chronic conditions. However, H1N1 is considered more contagious than the seasonal flu and children, rather than seniors, are likely more susceptible.
(Source) Press
Related posts:
- Be Careful of H1N1 Flu Products
- More than One-Third of Docs Say Risk Level Rising for Potential H1N1 Flu Pandemic
