The H1N1 is a mutated version of the flu virus. It was believed to start in Mexico in a pig farm. This is where the name the swine flu started. H1N1 spread from Mexico and started becoming contagious. H1N1 in a worse case scenario may spread to half the US population. The H1N1 has killed very few people this year in the US. Most people recovery just fine from the H1N1 virus without requiring medical attention. The flu virus has actually killed far more than the H1N1 virus. The flu also has a higher death percentage than H1N1.
Many companies are now working on the H1N1 vaccine. They hope this vaccine will fight off the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 vaccine is recommended by the CDC for pregnant women, care givers of babies, healthcare workers, children and young adults between 6 months and 24 years old and adults with medical conditions. Older adults have some immunity to the H1N1 due to their immune systems have seen these strains 30 years back.
The H1N1 vaccine has the same issues as the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is most effective if a close match to the current flu strain is matched. If the match is not close, the vaccine is not very effective at all. In 2007, a close match of the flu vaccine was obtained. The vaccine was very effective in preventing the flu. However, the last flu season the match was not close. The vaccine was not effective at prevention. Some people say the vaccine may reduce the severity of the flu if the match is close but that is not proven.
The H1N1 vaccine is basically a shot in the dark. No one is sure whether or not this vaccine will be a close match to the strain of H1N1 that is going to happen this flu season. This vaccine will not prevent you from catching the H1N1 vaccine unless it is a close match. The vaccine may not necessarily lower the severity of the H1N1 either.
The question remains is whether you should take the H1N1 vaccine. If you take the flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccination probably will not hurt. If you have a strong immune system, your body should be able to fight off the H1N1 virus. A vaccination will not be required. Most people in the US have already successfully fought off this virus with out any medical intervention. The H1N1 may also not spread everywhere as some people predict.
