Janurary 7, 2010
The emergence of 2009 H1N1 flu last spring led to the first global flu pandemic in 40 years. While most people who get sick from H1N1 flu have mild or moderate illness, some people require medical treatment and hospitalization.
From the end of August through early November, more than 26,000 Americans had been hospitalized with H1N1 flu, including more than 1,000 people who died from the virus. In Massachusetts, from April through Nov. 20, more than 1,750 residents had been hospitalized with H1N1 flu, including 17 people who died.
Meanwhile, seasonal flu causes about 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths every year in the United States.
(For more information about seasonal flu, visit the health department's seasonal flu website.)
Given that two different flu strains—seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu—will be circulating this fall and winter, federal health officials expect that a greater number of people will be sickened by the flu this year compared to previous flu seasons.
Here are some simple strategies for staying healthy this flu season and protecting your family, friends, and co-workers who may be at risk for serious complications from seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
- Get vaccinated, if possible. While vaccination is recommended for anyone who wishes to avoid infection, there are some health conditions that put people at higher risk for serious complications from H1N1. To find out if you belong to an at-risk group, see Recommendations for Influenza Vaccination by Risk Group and Age Group (PDF) and Who Should Get Vaccinated? (PDF).
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
- If you're sick, stay home from school or work.
Jan. 14
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a combined H1N1 and seasonal flu clinic at the CambridgeSide Galleria, 100 Cambridgeside Place. H1N1 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine will be available to everyone, while supplies last. The clinic will be on Level 3 in the Public Safety Center.
Jan. 20 and 27
From 3:00-6:00 p.m., there will be a walk-in flu clinic at 119 Windsor Street, in the small conference room on the second floor. H1N1 vaccine will be available to everyone, and seasonal flu vaccine will be available while supplies last. The clinics are open to all.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health H1N1 flu website
Massachusetts Department of Public Health H1N1 blog
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) H1N1 flu website
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) seasonal flu website
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H1N1 Flu 
