To reduce chances of getting or spreading the flu:
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue after use.
- Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
To Find Out More
MedlinePlus:
- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/flu.html
- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
h1n1fluswineflu.html - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://flu.gov
NIH Flu Research to Results
Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and researchers supported by NIAID worldwide are collaborating to to prevent, diagnose, and treat seasonal and pandemic influenza, including 2009 H1N1 flu.
Clinical Trials for Flu
NIH has started several clinical trials to determine what dosages of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine can best protect healthy and high-risk groups, especially pregnant women, children, young people, and those with asthma.
"These trials are being conducted through our longstanding vaccine clinical trials infrastructure, which includes the Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units," says Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., NIAID Director. "This is a network of medical centers that can quickly test vaccines in response to emerging threats to public health, like 2009 H1N1 influenza."
For more of what you need to know about the flu, go to the NIAID Web site (www.niaid.nih.gov) and to http://ClinicalTrials.gov.
Flu News, Information, and Resources
To find a flu shot location near you:
www.flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/
locator.html
To find state, regional, and national flu resources:
www.flu.gov/whereyoulive/healthmap/