Federal officials urged against panic and asked for patience and understanding as the government works to distribute H1N1 vaccines and contain the spread of the virus. Here we answer some common questions about the H1N1 virus and the government's response to the outbreak.
Q. I hear the flu is at its peak right now. Is that true? Does that mean the outbreak is almost over?
A. Studies have predicted that the H1N1 peak would occur around this time, but Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius warns that it may be "overly optimistic" to assume that the virus will peak and then be gone shortly after. Sebelius cites what happened last spring, when the virus didn't entirely disappear after its peak.
Q. Why are there fewer doses of the vaccine than had been originally estimated?
A. To make a vaccine, scientists first have to grow the virus in labs. Some viruses grow slower than others. A slow-growing virus can delay vaccine manufacturing time, as was the case with the H1N1 virus. There also were some glitches in the production lines that slowed the rate that manufacturers could package and release the vaccine. Sebelius says these issues have been resolved.
Q. I heard that the U.S. is donating 10 percent of vaccines to developing countries. Why are we doing this when we don't have enough for the people in this country?
A. The H1N1 virus has impacted the entire world and officials want to contain its spread as much as possible. The U.S. joined with 11 other countries to commit to send vaccines to developing countries. But Sebelius says, "at this point, the priority is getting the vaccine to citizens in this country."
Q. What can I do to protect myself against the flu if I can't find or can't get to a vaccine site?
A. Officials still suggest that everyone follow the flu safety guidelines, which include covering your mouth when you cough, frequently washing your hands, and staying home if you feel sick. If you want pharmaceutical protection, you can take an antiviral like Tamiflu or Relenza. Antivirals are not as effective as the vaccine and require a doctor's prescription.
Q. Since the vaccine is new, is it safe?
A. The vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and has been tested by the National Institutes of Health. H1N1 is a strain of the flu, and the vaccine for it is produced in the same way that the vaccine for the seasonal flu is produced. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine.
Q. Can I get H1N1, or 'swine flu,' from eating pork?
A. No, the virus is not spread through food.
Q. I feel somewhat sick, but I'm not sure if it's serious enough to be H1N1. How can I tell, without going to the doctor?
A. The federal government has created a Web-based test that might help you decide if you should see a doctor: www.flu.gov/evaluation/.
Food
November 4, 2009
Answering questions about the swine flu
- Food
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Add flavor to a nutritious chicken dish
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts may be great nutritionally speaking, but they can fall pretty flat when it comes to flavor.
Consider that a plus, a healthy blank canvas on which other flavors can shine. - Veterans Corner I hope this day finds you enjoying our way of life in this United States. We are able to choose for ourselves what we will do today because of the veterans in your community. Let all of these heroes know that we appreciate the sacrifices that they made while serving this nation.
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Venison a tasty variety for steak lovers
These assertively seasoned venison steaks also can be made using bison or beef. Like most game, venison is lean; keep it rare to avoid drying it out.
Venison steaks over smashed cauliflower
Start to finish: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and ground black pepper
1 to 1 1/2 pounds venison loin or tenderloin, cut into 4 steaks
Two 1-pound packages frozen cauliflower
2 tablespoons water
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and ground black pepper
In gallon-size zip-close plastic bag, mix the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, thyme, oregano, garlic powder 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. -
Military roundup
Army Reserve Capt. Jonathan M. Lawson is returning to the U.S. after a deployment to Iraqi or Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom, respectively.
The soldiers return to Fort Dix, N. - Long love: Study examines successes of lengthiest marriages SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- At the statistical intersection where increased life expectancy balances out the divorce rate, there is a surprising new cultural demographic: More Americans are reaching and exceeding the 40th wedding anniversary.
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outdoorsing can be hard on the body
outdoorsing is awfully good for the soul, but it can be hell on the body.
The former is the stuff of February daydreams. The latter -- all that pain from hauling and bending, raking and pruning -- fades in winter. -
Experiment takes aim at genetic learning disorder
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Ask a dietitian
Q: How much calcium do I need each day? Are there other foods besides diary products that contain calcium?
A: Calcium is an essential nutrient that helps build bones and teeth and maintains bone mass throughout the life cycle. - Veterans Corner This weather certainly has put a damper on our ability to serve veterans at the Goldsby Community Center on Thursdays. There were only 44 who ventured out last Thursday morning. We were able to work all of them and to close our doors by 8:30 a.
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Toys R' Us launches its own baby products
Toys "R" Us is banking on the power of the Babies "R" Us brand name to sell infant formula, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent and bottled, purified water in its stores.
