NEW YORK, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Several hundred registered nurses will start to work for an A/H1N1 flu hotline in New York City on Thursday.

    The NYC Flu Line will offer its services weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., providing information on what to do if callers feel sick.

    The New York Department of Health is launching the hot line for flu information using the number 311, which is a special phone number used in many large cities such as New York City, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles to provide access to non-emergency municipal services.

    "The NYC Flu Line will help New Yorkers to decide if they need medical care for symptoms that might be a sign of influenza," said New York City's Health Commissioner, Dr. Thomas Farley.

    "If you think you might have influenza, and you can't reach a regular health care provider, try calling NYC Flu Line before going to an emergency room," he suggested.

    The nurses will not make diagnoses or prescribe treatments, but will advise callers about whether to see a doctor or not. They can also refer people to clinics.

    Officials expressed the hope that the hot line would help lessen the number of people seeking care in emergency rooms.

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