Children are at higher risk for getting both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. The H1N1 vaccine will be available soon, but for now, parents are urged to get their children vaccinated against the common seasonal flu. While many are responding well to treatments for both the seasonal and H1N1 viruses, it’s important for parents to make sure they understand how to administer the proper dosage when giving flu treatments - especially involving young children.

Want up to the minute information about the H1N1 flu or other health topics? The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently launched a three-month pilot text program where you can sign up to receive the latest information about flu, public health emergencies and more via text messaging. Click here to find out how to sign up and be a part of their pilot text program.

The seasonal flu normally begins in September or early October and runs into the spring, but the seasonal flu made an early arrival this year by showing up in August.  While the H1N1 (swine flu) virus vaccine is not yet available to the public, health professionals are advising citizens not to wait to get the seasonal flu shot. Contact your local Office of Public Health to find out where to get the seasonal flu shot or visit www.flula.com for The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ Emergency News page for flu related issues. Photo: Inkyhack on Flickr