It’s that time of year again when we have to start thinking about flu season and the flu shot. Only this year, there’s been so much news over the past few months about the HINI (Swine) flu virus infection and the vaccine against it, that the entire topic of the flu shot is confusing to many.

Let’s make it simple. This fall and winter season we are at risk of getting infected with TWO different influenza viruses – the H1N1 influenza virus, also known as the Swine flu  virus, AND the “regular” winter flu virus that comes around each year, which is known as the seasonal influenza virus. These two viruses are different, and yes – we are risk of catching either or both of them, depending on our age and our health. Let’s talk about each virus next.

The H1N1 flu virus reared its ugly head last spring and has continued to infect people all through the summer. Even last spring, the experts predicted that its biggest appearance would be this fall. And here we are. The good news is that because it showed up last spring, we were able to get a jump on making a vaccine against it. In fact, that vaccine has been made and is being tested right now. And the news about it continues to be positive. Just in the last week or so, scientists found that the recently- made H1N1 vaccine is strong enough so that a person will need only one shot to be protected, rather than 2, as previously thought.

The official name for this flu shot is the Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine. A real mouthful. But, most everyone calls it the Swine flu shot, or the H1N1 flu shot.  Although  this vaccine has not been licensed yet, the first supply is expected to be available in mid-October. Important to know is that, unlike the regular flu shot which is available from many places including your doctor and local hospitals and other organizations, this one will be distributed only by your local health department. So, where you will be able to get will depend on the plans of the local health department in your area, and may include schools and health department clinics, among others. This should be well publicized in your locale when the vaccine is actually available. Be on the lookout for it.

Who should get the H1N1 flu shot? The Centers for Disease Control has made official recommendations on this topic just recently, and has targeted five groups of people to get this vaccine first. These include: 1) pregnant women, 2) people living with or caring for infants younger than 6 months, 3) healthcare and emergency-response personnel, 4) children and young adults (age range 6 months–24 years), and  5) other adults (age range, 25–64) who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for complications associated with seasonal influenza. People over the age of 65 are not included in these groups because they have not been nearly as susceptible to this virus as younger people have. (Finally, something good about being older!)

What about the other flu I mentioned above, the “regular” or seasonal influenza virus that we’ve come to expect a visit from each winter? Unfortunately, it is still expected this winter too.  The vaccine against it will be available at the usual time of year – sometime in October – and will be given as usual through January. It will be available as it is every year, from your doctor’s office, various clinics, and hospitals. Most everyone usually gets this flu shot each year, but of relevance to us – those especially recommended to get it are older people (especially over the age of 65) and people with chronic medical condition. Yes – this is confusing because it’s the opposite of who is especially recommended to get the H1N1 flu shot. This is because older people and those with chronic illnesses are more likely to get infected with the seasonal flu virus.

Here’s my main message. Since the seasonal flu virus is entirely different from the H1N1 flu virus, some people will need to get 2 flu shots this year.  The best thing to do if you’re confused about what you and your family members should do is to ask your doctor or clinician.  And do it soon since flu season comes very quickly this time of year.

One last thing to know.  The H1N1 flu vaccine may not be available by the time someone in your neck of the woods gets a case of H1N1 flu. So, be aware of this and put into play all the healthy practices that you already know to protect yourself and your family. Especially – WASH THOSE HANDS FREQUENTLY!

To stay up-to-date about the Swine flu and its vaccine, go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1Flu/

For information about the seasonal flu and vaccine, go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/