Gundersen Health System opens a "Flu Hotline" as flu cases continue to mount

As flu cases continue to increase in Northeast Iowa, Gundersen Health System says calls to their clinics about the flu have greatly increased.

As a result, Gundersen has set up web page, www.gundersenhealth.org/flu, with information about the flu.  It has also started an "Influenza Information Line" at (608) 775-0364.  Patients can listen to recordings on influenza information and get answers without having to call their healthcare provider's office.  Callers can press zero at any time to speak to their Gundersen healthcare provider's office or the Gundersen Telephone Nurse Advisor. The nurse advisors can help patients determine if they can care for their illness at home or if they should be seen by a healthcare professional. The nurse advisors can be reached directly at (608) 775-4454 or (800) 858-1050.

The Iowa Department of Public Health has characterized flu as "widespread" this season.  The IDPH says 43 Iowans have died from the flu so far this winter and 40 schools in Iowa are reporting at least 10 percent of their students are home with the flu.

For tips on avoiding the flu, visit the Winneshiek County Public Health Department's web page: http://www.winneshiekhealth.org/prevent-colds-and-flu-from-getting-you