High on the list of fall season illnesses has got to be influenza. The H1N1 strain of influenza (formerly called the swine flu) still has health officials worried. Now that H1N1 has been officially declared a worldwide pandemic, no one is really sure what will happen when the real flu season begins. Are we going to have thousands or even millions of victims? Should we expect massive school closings and work absenteeism? In this fragile economy, will this pandemic push us over the edge? No one really knows, but planning for the worst-case scenario is probably prudent.

Each person may need THREE flu vaccines: one for the regular seasonal flu and two for the new swine flu strain (one now, and then a second booster in a month). Thinking about getting a flu shot or influenza vaccine this year? The influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, and flu prevention should be a goal for everyone. According to the CDC, about 5% to 20% of Americans get the flu each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die. These statistics would decrease if more people took advantage of the opportunity to prevent flu with an influenza vaccine or flu shot.

When should I get a flu shot?
Because flu season may begin as early as October and run through May, the best time to get a flu shot is in October or November. You can still get an influenza vaccine in December or later, but earlier may be more beneficial in preventing flu. What types of flu shots or influenza vaccines are available?

There are two types of flu shots or influenza vaccines available for children and adults.
The first kind is the traditional flu shot. The flu shot does not contain a live virus and cannot cause the flu. This influenza vaccine is an inactivated virus that is given with a needle.

The other kind is a nasal influenza vaccine called FluMist. This influenza vaccine contains weakened viruses, which usually do not cause illness but sometimes can cause runny nose, congestion, and fatigue. The nasal influenza vaccine is recommended only for non pregnant, healthy people, ages 2 years to 49 years.

An annual flu shot is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu. The flu shot is highly recommended for certain high-risk individuals who are more prone to flu complications, such as pneumonia. Those at risk for complications include people 65 or older, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children. People who should get vaccinated each year are:

* All children 6 months to 18 years old
* People 50 years or older
* Women who will be pregnant during the flu season
* People who live in nursing homes
* Adults with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma, or with any condition that weakens the immune system
* Household contacts and caregivers of any children younger than 6 months of age (these children are too young to receive the flu vaccine)
* Any person in close contact with someone in a high-risk group, such as health care workers and household contacts