H1N1 updateSixty U.S. poison centers answer questions about H1N1

The sixty U.S. poison centers are answering questions about the H1N1 flu pandemic, an official of the American Association of Poison Control Centers said. “Poison centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with medical professionals who are ready to serve the healthcare needs of individuals seeking assistance,” Jim Hirt, executive director of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, said in a statement. “It’s a natural fit for already-established poison centers and their infrastructure to answer calls from concerned citizens in this fight against the H1N1 flu pandemic.”

Poison centers offer free and confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Hirt said. For example, a Tennessee Department of Health H1N1 hotline staffed by the Tennessee Poison Center fields about 150 calls per day, with fewer calls on the weekend. That hotline, which the poison center started staffing 15 September, takes calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but most calls come during business hours.

The H1N1 hotline, which has its own toll-free number, is available to the public, healthcare providers and local health departments.

People can reach their local poison control center by calling 1-800-222-1222.