Florida Flu Information Line started

St. Johns County Health Department Public Information Officer Noreen Nickola-Williams reported to Historic City News that on Monday, August 24th, Florida Department of Health launched a toll-free number to provide public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine Flu.

The Florida Flu Information Line can now be reached at 1-877-352-3581 and is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT, seven days a week. Information is available in English, Spanish and Creole.

The Florida Department of Health/St. Johns County Health Department continues its enhanced surveillance and outreach to physicians, hospitals, and other health care professionals. The surveillance system, consisting of sentinel physicians reporting influenza activity, Florida Department of Health laboratories receiving specimens from physicians and hospitals, and its ability to monitor emergency room cases is fully operational. The Florida Department of Health/St. Johns County Health Department has activated its response plan and is ready to respond, if needed.

St. Johns County Health Department continues to monitor the current flu situation and follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Currently, the Health Department is working with St. Johns County Sheriff’s office, Fire and Rescue, School District, Flagler Hospital, County Emergency Management, and County Administration to ensure that the community is well prepared.

Dr. Dawn Allicock, the Director of the St. Johns County Health Department, offers the following tips to avoid spreading the flu:
•Cough/sneeze into your elbow, sleeve, or a disposable tissue
•Wash your hands well and often
•Stay home if you are sick (at least 24 hours after fever is gone)
•Take time to get vaccinated!
•Individuals experiencing cough, fever, and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting should contact their healthcare provider.

For more information please visit the St. Johns County Health Department website
(www.StJohnsCHD.org). Additional information can be accessed through the Florida Flu Information Line, the Florida Department of Health website (www.MyFluSafety.com), and the CDC’s website (www.cdc.gov).