Updated
Oct 05, 2009 at 07:50 AM by NRSKarenRN
US Government website:
http://www.flu.gov/index.html has flu facts gathered in one location.
About the Flu
Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal. Two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu, are currently circulating in the United States. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications. A third, highly lethal H5N1 (Bird) flu is being closely tracked overseas.
Learn more. Vaccination
Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting either the seasonal or the H1N1 flu. The two flus require separate vaccinations (two shots). Plan to get a seasonal flu vaccination now and the H1N1 vaccination when it becomes available.
Learn more. Prevention & Treatment
Washing your hands often and practicing good hygiene are two important steps to prevention. Antiviral medications may be used for prevention and treatment.
Learn more
Flu shot--Injectable has inactivated virus:
“What You Need to Know” PDF (2009 H1N1
“Flu Shot” Vaccine Information Sheet)
Nasal spray contains live virus :
“What You Need to Know” PDF (2009 H1N1
“Nasal Spray Vaccine” Vaccine Information Sheet)
You should not get 2009 H1N1 LAIV if you have a
Severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other
substance in the vaccine
. Tell the person giving you the vaccine if you
have any severe allergies
2009 H1N1 LAIV should not be given to the following groups.
• children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older
• pregnant women,
• anyone with a weakened immune system,
• anyone with a long-term health problem such a
- heart disease - kidney or liver disease
- lung disease - metabolic disease such as diabetes
- asthma - anemia and other blood disorders
• children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more
episodes of wheezing during the past year
• anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as
cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing
problems,
• anyone in close contact with a person with a
severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected
environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit)
• children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.
If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to
wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have
a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait.
Tell your doctor if you ever had:
• a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal
flu vaccine,
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also
called GBS).
NIAID and 2009 H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
NIAID 2009 H1N1 Influenza Research Program NIAID support for influenza research over the past several years has greatly enhanced our preparedness for a pandemic influenza. The outbreak of the 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu) was unexpected; however, scientists in NIAID laboratories as well as NIAID grantees and contractors around the world have been studying diverse influenza viruses and are working to prepare for seasonal as well as pandemic influenza outbreaks.
From WHO:
The five-six month timetable for influenza vaccine production from isolation of vaccine strain to release first vaccine lots
Scientists have been planning for outbreak for years per 2005 report:
Development and evaluation of influenza pandemic vaccines: report of WHO expert meeting, 2-3 November 2005 Diagnostic Testing:
Interim Recommendations for Clinical Use of Influenza Diagnostic Tests During the 2009-10 Influenza Season Questions & Answers: Interim Recommendations for Clinical Use of Influenza Diagnostic Testing During the 2009-2010 Influenza Season - For Health Care Providers 
Flu Facts
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