H1N1 Information You Need

About a week ago I attended an online conference from home about the flu, both season and N1H1 (aka Swine Flu) sponsored by Walgreens with Dr. Gwenn O'Keeffe. My 1st post covered the need for us moms to make a plan in case we, or someone in the family, get caught by any of the flu strains. Today I thought I would cover some of the info that was shared about H1N1.

A short disclaimer - I am not a doctor and I do not play one on TV (or on the internet for that matter). You should always check with your doctor or health care professional for the best information relevant to you and your family.

• One of the big issues right now are the shortages of the flu vaccines. It isn't that they aren't making a lot, it is just that there is a high demand. Be patient, but keep an eye out for vaccine clinics in your area. Many school districts are doing H1N1 clinics so watch for that. We plan on Taylor getting his H1N1 vaccine at our local school's clinic even.
  
  
• It is important for kids, teens, and young adults (ages 6 months to 24 years) get the H1N1 vaccine. This group is the most vulnerable, and even otherwise healthy people in this group have died from H1N1 already.
  
  
• You need 2 different vaccines this year - one for the regular season flu AND one for H1N1 (swine flu). Each vaccine lasts about 1 year.
  
  
• If you get the shot form, you can have both at the same time. The nasal vaccines should be given on different days though.
  
  
• Since April 2009, more than 1 million Americans have gotten H1N1 flu
  
  
• Approximately 1% (roughly 10,000) of those have been hospitalized
  
  
• About 1,000 have died, including 76 children
  
  
• 90% of the flu circulating in the U.S. right now is H1N1
  
  
• Walgreens will offer a thimerosal-free vaccine (ask at your local store). You can find the dates and locations of Walgreens clinics on Walgreens website
  
  
• H1N1 has been tested, as thousands have already had the shot and only then did the FDA license it.
  
  
• You can find much more information on the CDC's website
  

*This is a compensated/sponsored post*
(in this case I received a $25 Walgreens gift card and
a gift basket of Walgreens cold & flu items)