Although not significantly more severe or deadly than the usual seasonal flu, the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined the H1N1 virus to be a pandemic. That simply means that it is spread easily from person to person across the globe. So the U.S. has seen cases in every state and the District of Columbia this season, but very few cases have required hospitalization or antiviral medication.

So why all the buzz? The primary thing that makes H1N1 different from other flu strains is simply that it's new. People's immune systems haven't had a chance to adapt to it yet, so it spreads easily from host to host, without much of a fight from us. It's not a sign of the apocalypse or even much worse than most seasonal flu viruses. It's just easier to get this year than some other flu strains have been in the past, because, while many of us may have immunity to dozens or even hundreds of cold and flu viruses (having gotten them before, or something very much like them, or having been vaccinated against them), we haven't been exposed to H1N1 before, and we don't have that immunity yet.

When we talk about who is "at risk," then, we are not talking about who is at risk for getting H1N1. We're all at risk for getting it. We're talking about who is at risk for flu-related complications if they do get H1N1. Most of those folks are pretty much whom we might expect to have extra trouble if they got the flu: pregnant women, anyone who takes care of babies under 6 months old, kids, and people with medical conditions that could be worsened by the flu. The surprise is that young adults under the age of 24 also seem to be impacted by complications, and that that those over 65 seem to be having an easier time with complications so far.

In any case, as anyone who has ever had any strain of the flu knows, it is a terribly unpleasant experience, and the Alameda County Health Department is quick to remind us that influenza is always serious. Symptoms of H1N1 are much like those of any other seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people report diarrhea and vomiting as well. Certainly, both seasonal flu and H1N1 are worth avoiding. According to the Alameda County Department of Public Health, the best methods of prevention are quite simple:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze, or use alcohol-based hand cleaners and rub the cleaner between your hands until dry. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread this way. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the tissue immediately. 
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to avoid spreading the illness. 
• Visit the CDC website for more information on what you can do to protect yourself from getting infected: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Another simple and very effective way to avoid getting the flu is of course to get vaccinated. Seasonal flu vaccines are currently available in a vast variety of locations. Due to vaccine shortages, the H1N1 vaccine is currently harder to find, but it is available in some locations, including doctors' offices. Folks with health insurance are encouraged to contact their primary care providers.

The Alameda County Department of Public Health is also offering vaccination clinics for folks who are at risk for complications with H1N1--often with specific risk groups in mind, such as kids ages 9 and under, who need a second dose of vaccine in 3-4 weeks. The following clinics are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until the supply depletes:

Saturday, December 5:

• Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, 7701 Krause Avenue
• Franklin Recreation Center, 1010 East 15th Street

Saturday, December 12:

• Bushrod Recreation Center, 560 59th Street
• Allendale Recreation Center, 3177 Suter Street

Since vaccine shortages may very well impact the schedule of the clinics, it is best to check the Alameda County Public Health Department's website, for confirmation and late-breaking details, before simply showing up:

Clinic locations and hours of operation are to be confirmed on November 25. Additional information, such as seasonal flu and H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions, are also available at the site.