Maryland Flu Hotline

Maryland has just set up a toll-free flu hotline to provide information and answer questions about the illness.

The number is 1-877-MDFLU4U (633-5848) and will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The state will also field flu questions by email at swineflu@dhmh.state.md.us.

“It is of paramount importance to ensure information is available in as many ways as possible,” Governor Martin O’Malley said.

Maryland health officials have identified eight probable cases of swine flu in Maryland _ three from Anne Arundel County, four from Baltimore County, and one from Montgomery County. All patients are recovering, and none have been hospitalized.

In addition to the information line, people can log on to the state website for swine flu-related information.