Many people have worried about this year’s flu and are hoping they don’t get sick.  This new strain of flu, the H1N1, has seemed to be more virulent for teenagers and children because their immune systems are more susceptible and have not developed the antibodies needed to defend the body.  People 53 years or older don’t seem to contract the disease as much because they have been vaccinated for earlier forms of the current virus such as the Spanish flu or the 1976 Swine Flu.

Currently, hospitals and clinics around Monterey County have a limited supply of the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines due to their high demand.  The first doses of the vaccine have come in the form of “Flu Mist”, in which the vaccine is given through the patient’s nose.  The rest have come in an injectable form like the seasonal flu vaccines.  However, there hasn’t been enough testing to prove these vaccines work, but scientists claim it’s as good as seasonal flu vaccines. 

Dr. Hugh Stallworth, Monterey County's health officer, explains the reason behind vaccine shortages: "One reason we’ve been given is that manufacturers have been shifting over to making the H1N1 flu vaccine to satisfy that demand”.

People who are at-risk should get the vaccine first to reduce the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, here’s some advice! If you have any flu symptoms, stay home and get some rest so you won’t spread the disease to others.  Avoid attending events such as rallies or games where there’s a big audience.  Schools are one of the biggest concerns because students gather together, allowing the flu to spread very quickly.  Some basic things you can do to prevent spreading the flu are to wash your hands frequently using soap and use your elbow to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. 

Dr. Mark Horton, the director of the California Department of Public Health stated, "We face an unusual challenge that requires all of us to be prepared in the months ahead. Part of that response is staying informed, learning if you are in a targeted group for vaccination and making plans to get vaccinated as the vaccine continues to arrive."

Another concern is about how much research and testing has gone into making and testing the H1N1 vaccine.  Currently, about only 40% of the American people are considering taking the vaccine.  Others don’t want to take the vaccine because there isn’t enough information and test results available out there to convince people that the vaccines are safe.  Leah Soriano, a KCHS sophomore says “I think that it’s just in our minds, it won’t kill you.  It’s just like a regular flu and nothing more.”