Sentara updates on the flu Hampton Roads:
Seasonal Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads from person to person through droplets carried by sneezes or coughs and from touching contaminated surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best defense from seasonal flu is vaccination.
2009 H1N1 (swine flu) is a new contagious flu virus causing respiratory illness. It was first detected in people in the U.S. in April 2009. By June, the World Health Organization labeled it a pandemic because of its widespread presence in countries around the globe. Its severity is similar to that of seasonal flu but because its a new virus, no one has natural immunity to it. 2009 H1N1 has the potential of causing sickness in great number.
Vaccine for 2009 H1N1 is expected to be available soon and is expected to be the best protection from this new flu.
Flu Shot Locator
H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation from Flu.gov
Flu Facts
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Warning Signs for Urgent Medical Care
What to Expect When You Come to the Emergency Department
Asthma and H1N1
For updates directly from the CDC, see the box below.