2009 Flu Season

2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu") is a new influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. Because this virus is very different from current seasonal influenza viruses, many people will not have protective immunity against it and the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against it either.

Influenza is unpredictable, but this flu season could be worse than recent years because of the 2009 H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing for an early flu season and expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and death this season.

There are things that you can do to protect yourself. The CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination, everyday prevention actions including frequent hand washing and staying home when sick, and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

For more detailed up-to-date information including posters, flyers and information translated in various languages, please visit the CDCs website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.