10 things to know about H1N1 flu

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  1. No cause for panic. 

So far, H1N1 flu isn't much more threatening than the regular seasonal flu. During the few months of this new flu's existence, hospitalizations and deaths from it seem to be lower than the average seen for seasonal flu, and the virus hasn't dramatically mutated. That's what health officials have observed in the Southern Hemisphere where flu season is now winding down. Still, more people are susceptible to H1N1 flu and U.S. health officials are worried because it hung in so firmly here during the summer -- a time of year the flu usually goes away. 

2. Virus tougher on some. 

H1N1 flu is more of a threat to certain groups -- children under 2, pregnant women, people with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more vulnerable to H1N1 flu. Ordinary, seasonal flu hits older people the hardest, but not H1N1 flu. Scientists think older people may have some immunity from exposure years earlier to viruses similar to H1N1 flu. 

3. Wash hands often and long. 

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu spreads through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick. Emphasize to children that they should wash with soap and water long enough to finish singing the alphabet song, "Now I know my ABC's..." Also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. 

4. Get the children vaccinated. 

These groups should be first in line for H1N1 flu shots, especially if vaccine supplies are limited -- people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, health care workers. Also a priority: Parents and caregivers of infants, people with those high-risk medical conditions previously noted. 

5. Get your shots early. 

Millions of H1N1 flu shots should be available by October. People in one of the priority groups should try to get their shot as early as possible.
Check with your doctor or local or state health department about where to do this. Many children should be able to get vaccinated at school. Permission forms will be sent home in advance. 

6. Immunity takes awhile. 

Even those first in line for shots won't have immunity until around Thanksgiving. That's because it's likely to take two shots, given three weeks apart, to provide protection. And it takes a week or two after the last shot for the vaccine to take full effect. The regular seasonal flu shot should be widely available in September. People over 50 are urged to be among the first to get that shot. 

7. Vaccines are being tested. 

Health officials presume the H1N1 flu vaccine is safe and effective, but they're testing it to make sure. The federal government has begun studies in eight cities across the country to assess its effectiveness and figure out the best dose. Vaccine makers are doing their own tests as well. 

8. Help! Surrounded by H1N1 flu. 

If an outbreak of H1N1 flu hits an area before people are vaccinated, be extra cautious. Stay away from public gathering places like malls, sports events and churches. Try to keep a distance from people in general. Keep washing those hands and keep them away from the eyes, nose and mouth. 

9. What if you get sick? 

If people have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call a doctor right away. People may be prescribed Tamiflu or Relenza. These drugs can reduce the severity of H1N1 flu if taken right after symptoms start. If people develop breathing problems (rapid breathing for kids), pain in the chest, constant vomiting or a fever that keeps rising, go to an emergency room. Most people, though, should just stay home and rest. Cough into an elbow or shoulder. Stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever breaks. Fluids and pain relievers like Tylenol can help with achiness and fever. Always check with a doctor before giving children any medicines. Adult cold and flu remedies are not for them. 

10. No H1N1 flu from barbecue. 

People can't catch H1N1 flu from pork -- or poultry either (even though it recently turned up in turkeys in Chile). H1N1 flu is not spread by handling meat, whether it's raw or cooked. 

(Courtest of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)