Each fall usually around October or November flu season begins. Normally we have a few types of seasonal type A flu viruses circulating, most which are covered by the flu vaccine and some that are not.
During an average flu season there will be about 36,000 causalities and it will most harmfully affect the elderly. This flu season we will also be dealing with swine flu or H1N1 which most harmfully affects people from age 24-49. So, we have 2 different types of flu that principally affects different age groups, certainly this is something to watch out for especially if you have younger children in the home because they too can be negatively affected by this H1N1 virus.
Now is the time to educate yourself on how to prevent swine flu or at least reduce the risk that you will get infected.
As a rule the recommendation during flu season to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. This season is no different; to stay healthy you should get vaccinated with the regular seasonal flu vaccine. Keep in mind though; this vaccine does not cover the H1N1, swine flu virus.
As far as swine flu goes, although a vaccination will be ready there will be limited quantities. The primary estimation was for 120 million vaccinations to be ready at the start of flu season; the number now is looking more like 45 million. It will be given out in priority so you may not necessarily receive the vaccination for swine flu.
I have seen many people asking around if the vaccination they received during the mild 1976 outbreak will cover them for this virus and the answer to that is no. The H1N1 or swine flu that is circulating now is not the same as the virus that circulated during 1976 so the vaccination will have been developed differently. If the new vaccine for swine flu is offered to you or someone in your family, you will need to decide for yourself whether or not this is an option you will utilize bearing in mind the risks with any experimental drug.
Another aspect of taking precauation against swine flu that people are talking about is, antivirals. As with the vaccinations there will likely be more demand than supply so antivirals such as Tamiflu and Relenza will be given in order of priority and to those that are the sickest or most at risk. An important aspect of avoidance will need to be the things you do on your own.
There are other ways to prevent swine flu or at least reduce the risk of transmission-
Wash your hands thoroughly
Use alcohol based hand sanitizer
Cover you nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue immediately
Try not to touch your hands to your face as this is the easiest way for germs to cause a problem
There is much more you can do to learn about what dangers you face should a possible epidemic arise. This flu season it is estimated that more people will die from flu, it will be worth it to you and you family to be prepared. Arm yourself with knowledge on how to prevent swine flu and what to do in the case of an epidemic. There is not enough room to write about all the things vital to being prepared for swine flu. http://www.how-to-prevent-swine-flu.info
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