Influenza Update
H1N1 (swine flu) is making daily headlines. Even though in most cases, H1N1 flu is not serious, people are still very concerned about its potential dangers. And for those with other health problems, the flu can be severe.
H1N1 flu
The H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is on the way as early as this month, but supplies may be limited. Once available, the vaccine will be important for all groups. But it will be especially important for pregnant women, young children, and others who are at high risk for exposure to and complications from the flu or who have certain chronic illnesses.
If you’ve already gotten a seasonal flu shot, great job! But that vaccine—the kind you normally get in the fall—won’t protect you against the new H1N1 virus (also called swine flu). You need two flu vaccines this year.
The H1N1 flu vaccine is expected to start arriving in October. It comes in two forms—a nasal spray or a shot—but your doctor will decide which type you should have. For example, pregnant women should not take the nasal spray vaccine because it contains the live virus. Shots of the vaccine will be especially important for certain people. These groups include:
- Pregnant women.
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old.
- Health care workers.
- People ages 6 months to 24 years.
- People ages 25 to 64 who have long-term health problems such as asthma or diabetes or who have a weak immune system.
To learn more about the H1N1 flu vaccine, including risks and side effects, go here.
Seasonal flu
Flu times two
This year’s flu season is double trouble. While the H1N1 flu (swine flu) is grabbing all the headlines, the seasonal flu is also gearing up for its regular fall appearance. This year, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself against and keep from spreading the flu. Learn more here.
Wash your hands of the flu - Soap and water are your best friends this flu season. Proper hand-washing and using gel hand sanitizers can help you keep from getting and spreading the flu, colds, or other viruses.
Latest Information About H1N1 Flu
These organizations are studying and keeping track of H1N1 flu, including what is being done to prevent its spread. Their Web sites have the most up-to-date information about H1N1 flu:
- U.S. Government. You can find information at www.pandemicflu.gov.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can find information at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu.
- World Health Organization (WHO). You can find information at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en.
Last revised: October 9, 2009
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