H1N1FLUSTRAIN.US

Influenza is a formidable enemy. A leading cause of death in the United States, the disease kills more than 36,000 people each year. It’s also tricky — though the…

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Tracking the Flu: Lifesaving Research Works on Killer Virus

This flu season were facing the seasonal flu which causes about 36000 deaths and 200000 hospitalizations every year and the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, a potentially more dangerous flu strain. The emergence of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus may cause this season to be worse than a regular flu season, with more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying because their bodies are not able to fight off this strain of influenza. The H1N1 flu virus is contagious and spreads person-to-person the same way that seasonal influenza does. The virus has quickly spread worldwide and in June 2009 the World Health Organization declared a global H1N1 flu epidemic. While severity varies from mild to severe, children, young adults, pregnant women and 25-64 year olds with underlying health conditions (like asthma and diabetes) are more susceptible to falling ill to the H1N1 flu and are at higher risk for serious medical complications, including hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions including covering coughs, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick, and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. Visit www.FLU.gov for more information on how to stay healthy and avoid the H1N1 flu.