As of August 2010, pandemic H1N1 flu is no longer considered a pandemic. This center provides historical information about pandemic H1N1 flu and will no longer be updated. Please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for the latest information about H1N1 flu.
The pandemic H1N1 flu (originally called swine flu) is a respiratory infection. It has spread to humans and has reached the level of a pandemic. A pandemic is a worldwide outbreak. Here is more information on the pandemic H1N1 flu:
The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine against the pandemic H1N1 flu. Here is more information about the vaccine:
Want to learn more about vaccines in general? Learn more here:
Drugs that fight the flu
Experts are preparing for the effects of the pandemic H1N1 flu. Fortunately, in the United States, the pandemic H1N1 virus has caused symptoms no worse than the typical seasonal flu. Nevertheless, as the weather turns cold and the virus increases its activity, your doctor may recommend antiviral medicines.
Antiviral medicines may be helpful in treating the pandemic H1N1 flu. But unless you are in a high-risk group or have a severe illness, you may not need them. Check with your doctor. Antiviral medicines used to treat the pandemic H1N1 flu include:
Simple steps to keep the flu away
Whether it is the pandemic H1N1 flu or the seasonal flu, here are ways you can reduce your risk of getting sick this season.
How to wash your hands properly
One of the best, not to mention easiest, ways to avoid the flu is to wash your hands.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
Department of Health, United Kingdom
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm
European Commission—Health Information
http://ec.europa.eu/
European Medicines Agency
http://www.emea.europa.eu/
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
http://www.niaid.nih.gov
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/