Think you’ve got the flu? Give Healthline a call

Think you’ve got the flu? Give Healthline a call

28 August 2012

Spring may be just around the corner, but colds and flu are still here in force. Wellingtonians feeling under the weather and wondering what to do, can call Healthline for free health advice.

Healthline – 0800 611 116 – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free to call from landlines and mobile phones.

General Manager Andrea Pettett says at this time of year hospitals can be overwhelmed with people suffering from flu-like symptoms, but some could receive medical attention elsewhere.

“It can be difficult for people to know whether they should go to the emergency department if they’re feeling really ill, but expert advice from Healthline is always at hand on 0800 611 116.

“Healthline nurses can help callers determine how serious the symptoms are, and whether they should go to the emergency department, see their GP or manage the symptoms themselves at home. This can help leave hospitals free for the most serious cases.”

Healthline has been fielding up to 1300 calls a day, with 15 to 20 percent of callers from the Wellington region seeking advice about flu-like illness.

Andrea Pettett says it’s really important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you think you might have the flu.

“It’s best to treat flu early, before you get really sick. Antiviral medicine treatment can lessen the severity and length of your illness, but is best started within the first 48 hours.

“Advice from a Healthline nurse could have you feeling just a bit better this winter!”

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