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H1N1 is a new flu

Last spring, H1N1 (swine) flu was all over the news.

The virus spread from Mexico and eventually people in the United States and other countries also got sick.

Most people got better after having a fever, sore throat and body aches, similar to the symptoms of the seasonal flu. But people who have other health problems may get very sick from this flu.

Health officials consider H1N1 flu a pandemic. That means the H1N1 virus has spread throughout the world, can make people very sick and can spread easily from one person to another.

Health experts say the H1N1 vaccine is a good idea, especially for young people. New viruses like this one are unpredictable and more people get the flu in the fall and winter. If we can keep people from getting it in the first place, that would be good for all of us.

Washing hands is the best defense

Most kids want to know: Should I worry or not worry about this flu? Medical experts say instead of worrying, wash your hands! Worry won't keep you from getting the flu (or any infectious disease), but good hand-washing often can keep you healthy. A virus is a germ, as you probably know, and germs are too small to be seen.

Keeping your hands clean -- and following other good habits like not sharing drinks and keeping your fingers out of your mouth, nose and eyes -- can help protect you from germs.

Another way to be helpful is for sick people to stay home from school (if you're a kid) or work (if you're a grown-up).

Symptoms of H1N1 flu include a fever plus one or more of these:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Tiredness

A person who has the H1N1 virus also might throw up or have diarrhea.

Be sure to tell a parent if you're not feeling well. Most people who catch the H1N1 virus will get better on their own, but if someone has a medical condition, like asthma or diabetes, or is very sick and needs to be hospitalized, antiviral medicine might help the person get better faster.

What to do:

Here are some everyday steps you can take to stay well:

• Avoid people who are sick (coughing, fever, etc.).
• Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. That's how germs get in your body.
• Don't drink out of the same cup or share utensils (forks, spoons) with other people.

Should you go to school?

Have you ever gone to school when you didn't feel so well? Everyone has probably done it, but this year it's very important to stay home from school when you're sick.

Here's why:

H1N1 flu is a new illness that could make some people very sick. So we want to do our best to keep it from spreading around. If you have flu-like symptoms, home is where you should be.

By staying home from school (and away from crowds in general), you make it less likely you will make other people sick. And if it turns out you do have H1N1, rest at home is what you need to get better.

What to do:

Take these steps if you feel sick:

1. Tell your mom or dad, so they can check you out. They might want to call your doctor to talk about whether you have H1N1 or some other sickness.

2. Stay home from school and other crowded places.

Also, try not to make other people in your family sick. Do that by washing your hands often, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow -- not into your hands! -- and keeping your distance.

3. Get rest and drink plenty of fluids. Be sure to tell your mom or dad how you're feeling so they can take good care of you.

4. Return to school only when you're feeling better, no longer coughing/sneezing and you haven't had a fever for at least 24 hours.

Get protected

Usually, we think about just one kind of flu during flu season. But this year, you'll hear about two: regular (or seasonal) flu and H1N1 flu. Seasonal flu comes around every year and there's a vaccine (a shot or nasal spray) for it. The H1N1 virus is new and there's a vaccine for it, too.

Vaccines work because they give your body a little piece of the germ that causes an illness. It's enough to build your body's immunity without making you sick.

For those of you who don't like needles, the vaccination also may be available in mist form. That way, the nurse just sprays a mist up your nose and you're all set. Your mom or dad can talk with your doctor about the H1N1 vaccine.

Some kids, such as those with chronic conditions, should be first in line for the vaccine. Why? Because having other health problems can make it more likely H1N1 will make a kid quite sick. But for most kids, the symptoms of H1N1 will be similar to seasonal flu.

But who wants to feel rundown and awful? Getting the vaccine for both flus can keep you healthy and able to do all the stuff you like to do.

Still not happy about getting shots? Try this: Make your arm loose like spaghetti before the shot goes in. Relax your hand and fingers. The looser you are, the less the shot will hurt.