US H1N1 Flu Shot Locations
Flu Shots are now available to anyone. Ask your doctor if they have shots in stock.
US H1N1 Symptoms
The US H1N1 flu pandemic leaves many people feeling confused. Here are some quick answers to common questions:
Why is called the 'Swine Flu'?
The so-called swine flu is technically a strain of a known influenza. But it was usually found in pigs. A mutation allowed it to spread to people -- and from person to person. It is technically known as novel H1N1, or 2009 H1n1. Contact with farm animals or pork does not increase or decrease your chances of getting the flu.
Early in the outbreak, some groups proposed other names such as North American flu or Mexican flu to denote where it first showed up in people.
What Should I Do to protect myself from the flu?
Doctors say that if you think you have swine flu, the best thing to do is stay at home to rest and to avoid infecting others. You should stay at home until 24 hours after your fever ends.
You need to see a doctor if your fever lasts for several days, if you have trouble breathing or if you have other serious symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms?
Swine flu symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also get a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Preventing The Spread
Doctors say the best way to prevent the spread of swine flu are to follow basic hygiene. Stay away from people who are ill, avoid contact when you can, wash your hands or use antibacterial lotion frequently and try not to put your hands near your face or mouth.
Treating Swine Flu
Products such as Tamiflu or Relenza can help easy symptoms, but they must be taken within 48 hours of getting the disease. Some over-the-counter medications can ease symptoms.
Vaccine
A newly designed vaccine for this flu became available slightly ahead of schedule in October 2009. It is offered as both a nasal spray and as an injection. Government health officials said that the vaccine has minimal side effects -- like the regular seasonal flu vaccine -- and will eventually be available to all who want it.
They specifically urged pregnant women, health care workers, children with underlying health conditions ages 6 months to 24 years and older people with underlying health conditions to get vaccinated. (Find out if you should get the vaccine.)
H1N1 in the US News
Site: h1n1 flu - Google NewsDesigner Flu: How scientists made a killer virus airborne ? and who should know - Science News
NY1 At 20: 2009 Report Continues Look At H1N1 Outbreak - NY1
Clues to a universal flu vaccine found - New York Daily News
Immunization against A/H1N1 pandemic flu (2009- 2010) in pediatric patients at ... - 7thSpace Interactive (press release)
Inovio Pharmaceuticals advances universal flu vaccine strategy with avian flu ... - Proactive Investors USA & Canada
Inovio makes steps towards a universal flu vax - FierceVaccines
Why Shutting Airports Is Not the Best Way to Halt a Global Flu Pandemic - Technology Review (blog)
NY1 At 20: 2009 Report Re-Visits H1N1 Outbreak In NYC - NY1
Inovio Pharmaceuticals' Universal Avian Flu Vaccine Generates Protective ... - MarketWatch (press release)
Free flu shot program missing under 2s; 'vaccine fatigue' may be to blame - Brandon Sun