First line of defense for H1N1 flu is the phone Current media attention forecasting the arrival of H1N1 flu vaccines and stories about its potential as a pandemic have people focused on medicinal cures and treatments rather than prevention or perspective, according to Dr. Steven Marcus, executive medical director of the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES)."The viral nature of this latest flu strain should be cause for greater use of the phone as the public's first line of defense to reduce spread of infection," Marcus notes. State residents can call trained medical professionals at the NJPIES hotline (1- 800-222-1222) to get information about various flu strain symptoms, prevention measures, as well as treatments and proper dosages. Public health officials agree that most cases of this season's flu, including the H1N1 strain, will not require medical intervention, and will be best treated the old-fashioned way with bed rest and plenty of fluids.Those considered most at risk are those historically at highest risk for the flu, including pregnant women and people with pre-existing chronic conditions. However, H1N1 is considered more contagious than the seasonal flu and children, rather than seniors, are likely more susceptible. "The pandemic concern about H1N1 has people flooding doctor's offices and ERs sooner than they might otherwise, thereby causing yet a different strain — a strain on the current healthcare system," Marcus notes.The use of phone and web resources before venturing out may minimize the spread of the flu and may make the difference between a bad flu season and a pandemic.The best way to fight the flu remains the same:keep your immune system strong, take preventative measures such as washing hands frequently and become informed. Correct dosage important Being informed includes understanding the correct dosage of flu remedies both for prescribed and over-the-counter medications."People frequently mix medications with over-the-counter remedies and in doing so,may not realize that they are doubling and tripling ingredients to potentially toxic dosages," warns Marcus. Vigilance is also needed with prescribed medications. For instance, a common script for infants diagnosed with H1N1 is liquid Tamiflu administered through a syringe. Syringe measurements are generally printed in milliliters while directions to parents can be provided as percentages of teaspoons."It's important that parents ask their doctors and pharmacists questions about the correct dosage," Marcus notes. Parents are also encouraged to call the NJPIES hotline for help in converting teaspoon dosages to milliliters. A poison is defined as anything that can cause injury or death, particularly when experienced in the wrong dosage. Everything from bee stings to peanut butter allergies are poisonous substances tracked by NJPIES and are examples of how a seemingly harmless medicinal dosage to one person is toxic to another. Poisoning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death in New Jersey and the third-leading cause nationwide. Children are most at risk.Education is the first line of defense toward prevention, and free help is just a phone call away anytime of day or night to the NJPIES hotline. About NJPIES As New Jersey's official Poison Control Center,The New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES) provides information on poison prevention and treatments.One of its key functions is to track adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines including flu treatments and provide data to the FDA and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Chartered in 1983, NJPIES provides free consultation through telephone hotline services and the web. It coordinates state poison education and research and is the designated regional poison center by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Medical professionals including physicians, registered nurses and pharmacists offer confidential advice regarding poison emergencies, poison prevention information, drug information, food poisoning, animal bites and more.These specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. New Jersey residents seeking immediate information about treating poison emergencies should call the toll free hotline 800-222-1222 anytime.The hearing impaired may call 973-926-8008. For more information, visit www.njpies.org or call (973) 972-9280.