New Web site helps assess flu symptoms

Do you want to know if your fever is really the flu? Or if you need to see a doctor?

On Thursday, Governor Bill Ritter announced his support for -what he calls- the nation's first comprehensive flu assessment website, AMAfluhelp.org.

The site asks a series of questions about a patient's symptoms and history, and then lets the patient know if they need to see a doctor. There are other sites like this, but this free site also allows patients to share their information directly with their doctors, in a forum that works similarly to Facebook.

"As part of Colorado's dedication to healthcare technology, we are proud to be the first state in the nation to support this new online tool for Colorado families and healthcare professionals," said Gov. Ritter. "This new tool will play a critical role in helping to reduce demands on our healthcare system."

According to the American Medical Association, AMAfluhelp.org is a free and secure interactive Web solution powered by the American Medical Association and HealthyCircles, a Colorado company.

The state health department reported this week that six more people have died from the flu in Colorado, bringing the total this season to 20. Officials say all are likely from swine flu, also known as H1N1.

Statewide, 1,058 people have been hospitalized with the flu this season.