Dedicated Canterbury Flu Line Starts Today

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Dedicated Canterbury Flu Line Starts Today

From today (Saturday 20 June), Cantabrians can call a dedicated Canterbury Flu Line - 0800 37 30 37 - to seek medical advice if they are concerned about their influenza symptoms.

If required, callers will be given an appointment at the Canterbury Flu Centre that opened today.

“The dedicated 0800 number supports our Flu Centre, which is for people who need medical assessment and treatment for influenza and those who are at risk of developing complications because of underlying conditions,” says Dr Phil Schroeder, who leads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group.

“Most people will recover from Influenza A (H1N1) at home with the support of family and friends. However, a small proportion will need medical assistance. The 0800 number and the Flu Centre are there for them.”

“General practices and pharmacies would become overloaded with demand if they had to handle all of the calls and visits related to this influenza outbreak – and it’s important that people call the 0800 number, and don’t visit health facilities. We hope that Cantabrians will use the 0800 number as their first port of call on flu related matters.”

Dr Schroeder says the telephone is one of the key weapons in the fight against Influenza A (H1N1).

The 0800 number is a free number and will be staffed from 8am to 9pm at this stage. Outside these hours people will be directed from the Flu Line to other phone services. Healthline 0800 611 116 is also still available for general health advice.

This initiative follows Canterbury District Health Board’s decision today to move its response to the current Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic to the ‘manage it’ phase.
As part of the management phase health officials will no longer quarantine close contacts of people who have been confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1).

Dr Schroeder says, “For general flu enquires people can still call Healthline 0800 611 116. However, if you are unwell, the best advice is to contact the Canterbury Flu Line 0800 37 30 37.”

For more information about influenza in Canterbury visit www.fluinfo.org.nz.

ENDS

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