If you're concerned about getting the flu, there is ordinarily one simple solution: Get a flu shot. This year, the situation is much more complex, and you may need as many as three shots.

In addition to the seasonal flu that strikes every year, there is the H1N1 or "swine" flu that has been infecting persons worldwide since last spring and has been officially labeled a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

It's important to understand that the term pandemic refers to the large number of individuals infected around the world and not to the seriousness of the illness. To this point, most infected persons have recovered within a week with no need for medical treatment, although a significant number have been hospitalized or died.

The name "swine" flu has also led to some misconceptions. The name was given because laboratory tests suggested that the genes in this new virus were similar to those in viruses that occur in pigs, but the virus also has some genetic fingerprints from birds and humans.

Hog farmers have lost money because of the name, but, contrary to what many consumers believe, you cannot get this flu by eating pork or any other food. And the virus has not been found in any pigs in this country.

The H1N1 flu, as it is properly called, has symptoms much the same as regular seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, aches and pains, chills and extreme tiredness. A few patients have experienced vomiting and diarrhea as well, but that is not because H1N1 is a food borne illness.

Young people at higher risk

The major difference is that H1N1 disproportionately affects younger persons. Among about 800 Americans hospitalized since the flu broke out in the spring of 2009, 75 percent were age 49 and under. And about 60 percent of cases overall have occurred in children and young adults ages 5 to 24. Scientists believe that persons alive in 1957 may have some immunity derived from an H1N1 virus that was circulating at that time.

An infectious disease affecting mostly younger persons, who circulate actively at work and school, has the potential to explode. Over the next two years, according to the World Health Organization, about one third of the world's population will be at risk of infection.

Some schools shut down last spring in an effort to keep the flu from getting a toehold, but the Centers for Disease Control is discouraging that practice except in extreme instances. It's better for infected students to be sent home.

The best way to protect yourself and others from influenza - either H1N1 or the regular seasonal flu - is to:

* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based cleaners,

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then throw the tissue away,

* Stay home when you have a respiratory illness and

* Get a flu shot.

Since vaccines are developed to target specific viral strains, multiple shots will be necessary this year - an H1N1 shot and a separate seasonal flu shot. Currently, it appears that adults and children 10 years of age and older will need one seasonal flu shot and one H1N1 shot. Children 6 months through 9 years of age most likely will need one seasonal flu vaccine and two H1N1 shots.

For seasonal flu vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or visit one of the Caldwell County Health Department's drive-by flu clinics set for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locations are the Caldwell County Health Department (2345 Morganton Blvd., Lenoir) and Granite Falls Elementary School (60 N. Highland Ave., Granite Falls). Per the Health Department, cost for the seasonal vaccine at either of their drive-by clinics is $20, and most insurance is accepted. Clients are advised to bring their insurance card or payment at the time of service.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is not yet available. For information on the H1N1 flu vaccine eligibility and availability, visit www.flu.gov.

Public health experts must target those for the H1N1 vaccine who are most likely to have severe illness from H1N1 flu, particularly children and healthy, younger adults who are out circulating in the community.

Guidelines recommended by an expert panel convened by the Centers for Disease Control recommend providing the swine flu vaccine first to:

* Pregnant women,

* People who live with and care for children under 6 months of age,

* Health care workers and emergency medical services personnel,

* Children 6 months and older and young adults up to age 24,

* Adults aged 25 to 64 who are at risk because of chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

Although the vaccine for the seasonal flu should be in plentiful supply, those considered to have high priority are:

* Children aged 6 months to 19 years,

* Pregnant women,

* Adults age 50 and over,

* Persons with certain chronic medical conditions living in long-term care facilities and

* People who live with and care for individuals considered at high risk.

To protect yourself, wash your hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth and get a flu shot if you qualify. If you get the flu, stay home so that you don't infect others. Consult your healthcare provider if you are at high risk for flu complications, and seek medical attention if you have emergent symptoms including:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,

* Pain in the chest or abdomen,

* Sudden dizziness,

* Confusion,

* Severe or persistent vomiting,

* Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough,

* In babies, bluish or gray skin color, lack of responsiveness or extreme irritation.

Caldwell Memorial Hospital provides Health Matters for information only. This information is not meant to provide medical advice on any personal health issues. Personal medical advice should be obtained only from a physician. If you need a personal physician, please call our Physician Referral Line at 757-5571.