Cold, flu or something worse?

With winter upon us, respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV are on the rise across the state, according to the Florida Department of Health. With common symptoms like fever, cough or congestion, it can be difficult to distinguish between these illnesses requiring treatment and the common cold. Luckily for Florida residents, finding an answer can be as easy as making a phone call.

HCA Florida Healthcare’s Consult-A-Nurse hotline is a free service connecting Floridians with a licensed, experienced nurse to provide quick, convenient expert advice and support. When dialing 844-70-NURSE (6-8773), anyone, including people recently discharged from the hospital, can ask questions or speak with a nurse about any symptoms or illnesses they or someone in their family may be experiencing.

Consult-A-Nurse staff may refer callers to a nearby emergency room, urgent care or follow up with a physician, underscoring the potentially lifesaving importance of having a healthcare professional available for guidance any time, day or night.

“Our goal is to help advise people about their important health questions and connect them with the care they need," said Sonna Harding, chief nursing officer, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. "Whether you’re a parent of a newborn with questions in the middle of the night, or not sure if you are experiencing heart burn or a heart attack, we are here to provide information or direct you to the right place at the right time to receive care.”

Launched in 2022, this free clinical resource provided by HCA Florida Healthcare has helped nearly 54,000 callers across the state answer their urgent health questions and find appropriate care just this year. The program is available to anyone, regardless of existing insurance coverage or current status as an HCA Florida Healthcare patient. With translation services available for many languages including Spanish, Consult-A-Nurse is another way HCA Florida Healthcare provides access to care through the one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks.

For more information about services and providers available near you, visit HCA Florida Healthcare website.