If someone gets the H1N1 vaccine and then is later exposed to the virus, what should we expect? Slight illness or what? Also, is this transmisable to pets?

Once you've had the swine flu can you get it again The same season? My Whole family had it. Now that we're well should we be vaccinated?

Can you please share with us your feeling about the swine flu vaccine? I am one of those who is not convinced about its safety for a number of reasons. Moreover, I fear that vaccinating against this weaker virus will leave us more vulnerable to a more potent strain than if we caught this one, and developed our own antibodies. Isn't that why there are fewer cases in the over 65 age group? I have three young children, so am weighing this decision very carefully. Not sure I could live with myself if they were harmed by EITHER approach. I have been searching valiantly for credible, scientific information (and am not convinced that the CDC is an unbiased party). I am amazed by how flippantly some jounalists are reporting non-fact-checked information. Thank you very much!

My family has the Swine flu and will we have immunities to keep us from getting it again? Do we need to get the Swine flu vaccine.

how does taking vitamin C and D3 decrease your chances of contracting the flu or h1n1?

Currently have H1N1 flu. Am in high risk group w/multiple medical problems. I know I still need to get vaccine. How long do I need to wait after I recover?

I'm 8 months pregnant, due 12/1, with a two-year-old at home. My daughter has already received a regular seasonal flu shot, but I'm not sure whether either of us should get the H1N1 vaccine. I've never gotten flu shots before and am loathe to get one while pregnant. I'm also unsure whether it's safe for my daughter to get a second vaccination. Advice?

Hi. I'm 6 weeks pregnant and worried about getting the vaccine for fear of what it might do to my developing baby. But I'm also afraid of NOT getting it, because of all the pregnant women who have died or been hospitalized. My OB recommends getting the vaccine, but they ran out yesterday and I can't locate any in other places. Do I have time to wait until my second trimester, at least, to make a firm decision? Or is time of the essence here?

our family always gets the seasonal flu shot. we have no experience with the flu mist. my 16 year old is scheduled to get the h1n1 flu mist. are there more side effects that he needs to worry about with the flu mist?

thank you.

What are the chances of co-infection or reassortment occuring with H5N1?, in such a situation the current vaccines would be rendered useless, what could the government do in such a situation?. Knowing how important these flu shots are, don't you think mandatory vaccines would be the best choice, considering the governments need to think of the best welfare of its citizens. Without having the expert knowledge of the proffesionals, not knowing what is best for them, a mass mandatory vaccination should occur before it is to late. Will this be a possible outcome?

Great chat today! Kelly Brewington and Meredith Cohn are doing a great job covering this story and keeping us informed! Thanks so much!

My husband and I have both had seasonal flu shots. He drives a school bus and deals with a number of special needs children. We have no children in our household. Should we (particulary him) get the H1N1 shot as well. Is there a specific waiting period preferred before getting the second shot?

I was considering getting pregnant this winter. However, a shortage of H1N1 vaccine seems inevitable. My entire family always gets seasonal flu shots, and even they were difficult to acquire this year. How seriously should I consider this situation? Although pregnant women are at high risk, anyone who gets pregnant later in the season may risk not having available H1N1 vaccine for the duration of pregnancy.

If my son was diagnosed with the Flu which they are saying is probably H1N1 does he need to be vaccinated this seasonal?

Is it true that I can help keep my family from getting the flu by gargling salt water and using a saline nasal spray or netti pot every night? I understand the virus lives in our nose, throat and airway for several days before infecting our body and using the salt water treatment can help kill those viruses before they do any harm. What are your thoughts on this?

The students at the elementary school I work at will be receiving the flu mist. Is it safe for teachers to be exposed to the students and in the area shots are being given since this the live virus being administered? How about staff with health problems?

When is H1N1 flu season fininshed?

I was really considering gettting my family the H1N1 vaccine, but am really concerned its not so safe or what not. Are there any bad side effects or anything. I'm just really unsure of what to do?

What happens if our kids get the swine flu before their 2nd shot? Will it be as severe as if they had none?

I am a 24 year old female and I'm indecisive about getting the flu shot because I haven't had one since I was in elementary and haven't had any flu in years. All of my house hold members have had the shot but I am scared of having a negative reaction to it ever since I saw the cheerleader whos life has been ruined due to this shot and now she can only walk normally backwards! I also have seasonal allergies and get a wheezing. Should I take the risk of contracting the swine flu and then have my immune system react to it normally or should I just get over my fear of this substance and get the flu shot? also if I was to get the 2009 shot but I decide not to get it next year(2010) will my body already know how to fight it because it's been exposed to it?

Mary: Good question on how many doses are appropriate for children. The CDC recommends two doses for children under 10, but with supplies of the vaccine still limited, doctors have told us that one dose should provide at least some immunity. So in a nutshell, one dose is better than none. See this story: http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bal-md.hs.flu24oct24,0,1020908.story

The World Health Organization says more study is needed on the appropriate dose for young children. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes/briefing_20091030/en/index.html

Meanwhile, the CDC is expected to review data from clinical trials very soon. We'll keep you posted.

I recently saw a Purdue Univ paper which modeled the H1n1 epidemic. One of the model results puzzled me. The model predicted 63% of the US would be infected and that only 40% of those-- 25% of the population in total -- would be symptomatic.

Are "infected people without symptoms" contagious? Do they develop antibodies and immunity without showing symptoms?

Hi,

I have had asthma for about 10 years now, it's not so bad currently, I only take the inhaler when I do wheeze rarely, but I heard that those with asthma are at an increased risk. Also, if you have flu symptoms which turns out to be swine flu, will taking the H1N1 vaccine immediately get rid of it?

my son's friend has a person with swine flu in his house. should we let my son's friend continue to come over?

What if you are exposed to the swine flu and do not get it? Are you immune?

I got flu 2 weeks back. Doctors told me that there is no medication for it. Because they suspected that it's swine flu. so told me to use tylnol or mortrin to control temparature and take lots of fluids. I am recovered now. But I have cough that bothering me till today. Is there any medication I can use to control the cough that happens only when I speak or exhale?