As we head into fall — and flu season — you'll be hearing more about swine flu, also known as influenza A (H1N1).
To prevent people from getting this new virus, a vaccine (shot) is being manufactured. Some H1NI vaccine is expected to be available in October. People, including kids, will probably need two shots about three weeks apart to be protected from this virus.
H1N1 Is a New Flu
The shot will be different than the seasonal flu shot that many kids and grownups get. So to be protected against both H1N1 and the regular flu, a person will need three shots. More shots may not seem like good news, but health experts say the vaccine is a good idea, especially for young people.
New viruses like this one are unpredictable and we haven't seen the last of H1N1. More people get the flu in the fall and winter. When H1N1 comes back then, it could make people sicker than it did last spring. And if we can keep people from getting it in the first place, that would be good for all of us.
Last spring, swine flu was suddenly all over the news. The virus spread from Mexico, where some people died from it. People in the United States also got sick, but far fewer died. Most people got better after having a fever, sore throat, and body aches, similar to the symptoms of the seasonal flu.
Health officials consider the swine flu a pandemic. That means the H1N1 virus has spread throughout the world, can make people very sick, and can spread easily from one person to another.
Washing Hands Is Best Defense
Most kids want to know: Should I worry or not worry about this flu? Medical experts say instead of worrying, wash your hands! Worry won't keep you from getting the flu (or any infectious disease), but good hand-washing often can keep you healthy.
A virus is a germ, as you probably know, and germs are too small to be seen. Keeping your hands clean — and following other good habits like not sharing drinks and keeping your fingers out of your mouth, nose and eyes — can help protect you from germs.
Another way to be helpful is for sick people to stay home from school (if you're a kid) or work (if you're a grownup). Anyone who thinks he or she might have the H1N1 virus should see a doctor. If someone has the H1N1 virus, antiviral medicine might help the person get better faster.
What You Can Do
Here are some more everyday steps you can take to stay well:
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Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. That's how germs get in your body.
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Don't drink out of the same cup or share utensils (forks, spoons) with other people.
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Avoid people who are sick (coughing, fever, etc.).
Swine = Pigs
Did you know that swine is another name for pigs? The swine flu gets its name because pigs carry this kind of flu. You can get this kind of flu from pigs, but it also can be passed from person to person when someone coughs or sneezes. That's why hand washing is important and why it's good to sneeze or cough into your elbow (or a tissue) instead of your hands.
The initial news reports on swine flu may have made you confused or worried. Because this is a new illness, the news covered both what was happening and what might happen in the worst-case scenario. Because you'll probably be hearing more about H1N1, we recommend a "just the facts" approach.
Did you ever hear a TV detective say, "Just the facts, m'am?" That means we stick with what we know and make decisions based on that. It's a good approach with this virus, even though it is now considered a pandemic and health officials need to be ready to handle it.
Expect to hear about the H1N1 virus for a while. It may be months before we know the whole story and how many people it will affect. In the meantime, keep those hands clean and be sure to tell your mom or dad if you have any concerns.
Reviewed by: Steve Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2009
