With over 1000 deaths attributed to H1N1 flu staring us all in the face and long lines for what little H1N1 flu vaccine that is available, President Obama has declared H1N1 flu a national emergency. A spokesman from the Obama Administration equates this declaration to local state of emergencies that are declared before a hurricane hits land. With the growing number and rate of infections, and the threat of H1N1 flu cases overwhelming the healthcare system in some communities, this declaration allows a more rapid response and movement of resources to areas that need them. While a little over 16 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been manufactured, experts say that number is nowhere near what was expected for this period in the pandemic. Forty-six states now report widespread H1N1 infections; analogous to the peak of a typical flu season. For the flu season to peak this early is very unusual experts caution, warning we have not yet seen the peak of the H1N1 pandemic.

Related Information

• All Your H1N1 Flu Vaccine Resources Right Here
• What We Know About the H1N1 Vaccine
• What's the Difference Between Pandemic Flu and Seasonal Flu?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for boys age 9 to 26 to receive the HPV vaccine Gardasil. The vaccine has been in use with females 9 to 26 since 2006. HPV, also known as human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer in women. In men HPV can lead to anal cancers and genital warts. While there are dozens of strains of HPV, Gardasil targets the 4 that most commonly cause cancers and rectal warts. Ideally, the vaccine is gotten before becoming sexually active since that is the way HPV is transmitted. Note that for now, Gardasil use in boys is only being considered in the prevention of rectal warts not cancers at this time.

Related Information

• Understanding HPV
• Your Guide to the HPV Vaccine
• Are Anal Paps Helpful in Men?

The key to staying healthy during this unusual flu season is learning all there is to know about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. There are similarities but the two types of flu are very different; each requiring a vaccine of their own. I have assembled all the flu information I have onto one easy to use page. Review the material, get your vaccines, and keep your doctor's appointments; do this and your chances of staying healthy throughout this flu season will be much better.

Flu Information From Across the About Health Channel

• Symptoms of Cold and Flu
• Swine Flu - The Basics
• Swine Flu Frequently Asked Questions
• Flu Shots 101 - All About the Vaccines
• Swine Flu Myths

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~The Entry Courtesy of About.com's HIV Guide Mark Cichocki