Every year about 5% of people are affected by the seasonal flu, this year the H1N1 has caught on.

Parents are making it a priority for their young ones to get the H1N1 flu shot and leave the seasonal vaccines to them. Quest Diagnostics and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration both stated that the H1N1 virus is targeting the children more than it is the adults.  Children who are between the ages of 10 to 17 will most likely need two doses of the vaccine, opposed to the one their parents would receive.

"With the H1N1, the elderly seem to be one of the lowest risk groups, which is very different from seasonal flu – they’re one of the highest risk groups," said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, Iowa state epidemiologist.

Younger children have weaker immune systems than someone who is 25 or older. This allows the H1N1 to take over the younger population. This then brings the third party into play, the vaccines. The vaccines do not have a specific target, they just want to stop the other parties, H1N1 and seasonal, from taking over all immune systems.

This new strain is different from regular winter flu because it strikes the young far more than the old, and child deaths are drawing particular attention. Eighty-six children have died of H1N1 flu in the U.S. since it burst on the scene last spring; 43 of those deaths were reported in September and early October alone, H1N1 has taken the lead. The vaccines still have a chance to catch up.    

Children and young adults have never been exposed to this virus before, which is why it spreads so easily. The symptoms of seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are very similar. It is not that easy for one to determine which virus it may be. So just to be on the safe side, they just go ahead and get both.

Numerous vaccines are being produced and given out at local doctors offices and pharmacies to put a stop or halt, at least until the cures come out, to the viruses. The vaccines are now in the lead and may come out on top after all.