Milwaukee Health Department Launches Flu Helpline

The Milwaukee Health Department launched a flu helpline Tuesday morning. Anyone in Milwaukee County can call the line with questions or concerns about the flu.

It’s a tool the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hopes will eventually go national. Milwaukee is just one of two areas testing it. The other is a site in Nebraska.

The new, toll-free helpline called “Flu on Call” is staffed by medical experts and trained information specialists. People experiencing flu symptoms, caring for someone who is sick, or people who have questions about the flu vaccine are encouraged to call 1-855-435-8722.

The hotline is available Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Paul Biedrzycki, Director of Disease Control and Environmental Health for the Milwaukee Health Department, released the news first on the CBS 58 Morning News. In the interview above, he explains why the CDC picked Milwaukee to test the helpline. He also gives an update on the flu season in Milwaukee.