As the winter season comes full force, it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and be aware of your resources. With so many illnesses sharing similar symptoms, it’s often hard to know whether rest at home is enough or if medical care is needed.
That uncertainty is where HCA Florida Healthcare’s Consult-A-Nurse hotline comes in. The free service connects callers with licensed nurses who can help them understand symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps.
Available 24/7, Consult-A-Nurse allows anyone to speak directly with an experienced nurse by calling 844-70-NURSE (6-8773). Callers can ask questions about flu-like symptoms, lingering coughs, sudden discomfort, or concerns involving children, older adults, or recently discharged patients.
Health officials note that winter is typically a peak season for respiratory illnesses, making access to professional guidance especially valuable. Rather than searching online or waiting until a doctor’s office opens, callers can receive real-time advice from a healthcare professional trained to assess symptoms and recommend appropriate care.
“Whether you’re a parent of a newborn with questions in the middle of the night, or not sure if you are experiencing heartburn or a heart attack, we are here to provide information or direct you to the right place at the right time to receive care,” said Victor Llamas, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital.
Since launching in 2022, Consult-A-Nurse has assisted tens of thousands of callers across Florida, helping them navigate health concerns and find appropriate medical support. The service is available regardless of insurance status, and translation services are offered in several languages, including Spanish.
As seasonal illnesses continue to spread, healthcare professionals encourage residents to pay attention to their symptoms and seek trusted medical guidance when needed. For many Central Floridians, that support is just a phone call away.
For more information about healthcare services and providers throughout the state, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.