A yearly seasonal flu vaccine is the most important step, and the first step you should take, and protecting yourself and your family against the seasonal flu virus. The vaccine is recommended for children six months old and above. It is encouraged that adults who care for children also take the flu vaccine.
In 2009, a vaccine against the swine flu has also been developed. This vaccine is recommended for all children and young adults age 6 months through 24 years of age. Other people that should receive this vaccine as a high priority should be those adults who care for children, or other adults that have certain chronic medical conditions. More information about the 2009 swine flu vaccine as well is the seasonal flu vaccine is available on the CDC website.
Besides the flu vaccine, other antiviral drugs can be used to treat both the seasonal and the swine flu. The priority for these drugs is to treat people who are seriously ill, or hospitalize, from the flu and have a medical condition that puts them at a high risk of flu complications. These antiviral drugs can make people feel better and they can also help them recover sooner. They may also help to prevent serious flu complications. These drugs need to be prescribed by a doctor and they work best when they are started during the first one to two days of the illness. These drugs can usually be given to children. It is important you consult your doctor in any case before attempting to administer these drugs.
