Allen Pediatrics is working to keep you informed about the H1N1 influenza virus (formerly “Swine Flu”). This new virus is different from seasonal influenza in two major ways:

1. H1N1 can continue to cause disease in warm weather, unlike many other forms of the Flu.

2. H1N1 virus contains genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs, avian genes and human genes. It is a novel flu strain which means that people have no immunity to the virus because they have not been exposed to anything like it before. If this virus mutates and becomes stronger (as flu viruses sometimes do), many people could become seriously ill.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family?

1. Get your family vaccinated against seasonal influenza AND H1N1 influenza

2. Infection control practices, like covering sneezes, washing hands and staying home and away from groups AT THE FIRST SIGN OF ILLNESS, are critical in helping to protect your family and community. See http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm#c

3. Read the latest information about the H1N1 virus at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

We will continue to keep you informed as we learn new information.