Be aware of H1N1, but not alarmed by it
H1N1 is a viral respiratory infection that spreads from person to person
and has symptoms similar to the seasonal flu.
In general, H1N1 illnesses range from mild to very severe, similar to the seasonal flu. Learn
more about H1N1 and educate yourself about some of the
myths and facts surrounding influenza.
Get vaccinated
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu.
There are 2 types of seasonal flu vaccine: the traditional “flu
shot” that is given with a needle, and nasal spray flu vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for people who want to
protect themselves from the flu. Neither of these vaccines
protects against H1N1 flu.
A specific H1N1 vaccine has been developed to protect against
this new virus.
Learn more about the flu vaccines.
Texas
Children’s recommends that pregnant women get the seasonal
and H1N1
flu vaccine. If you are pregnant, getting a flu vaccine can
significantly reduce your risk of severe illness and
complications from the flu. The flu vaccine is safe for you
and your baby. The CDC considers pregnant women one of the
priority vaccination groups,
so make sure you get vaccinated as soon as possible this flu
season.
As the
H1N1 vaccine becomes more widely available, Texas Children’s recommends
getting that vaccine as well. Texas Children's
Hospital is not administering the H1N1 vaccine. The
Texas Department of State Health Services and
Google have both developed online flu vaccine
locators.
Protect yourself and your family
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other ways you can protect yourself and your family,
including washing your hands often; covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze
or cough; avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and avoiding close contact
with people who are sick.
Texas Children's
Hospital is only performing flu tests on children who are
admitted to the hospital with respiratory illness or children with
flu symptoms who have an underlying health condition that makes them
more susceptible to complications. Texas Children's is not testing
or providing treatment to children who exhibit only mild flu
symptoms.
