Amafluhelp.org can’t officially diagnose you, but the American Medical Association site can tell you whether or not you should seek further medical attention. It can also tell you if you likely don’t have the flu. The free resource can help you assess flu risk for adults or children, as well as provide flu vaccine advice and let you know when it’s safe to go back to work if you do have the flu.

At amafluhelp.org, you can also sign up for a scheduled health session to receive expert guidance. If you choose, you may invite your family or physician online as …read more

A study has found older African Americans are less likely to get a flu shot than are older non-Hispanic whites. It’s not uncommon to hear about differences in certain illnesses and approach to illnesses, depending on race or culture, or even genetics. For example, it’s known that African Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). However, when it’s a behavior, such as avoiding a vaccination, it’s important for the medical community to understand why this is happening.
Researchers in Buffalo, NY, looked at the reasons why older African Americans may be reluctant to get a flu shot …read more

The H1N1 virus may have spread very quickly and remains a serious disease, but there is some good news at least. The disease has remained stable, and has not changed its genetic makeup. This is positive news for health officials, because that means the vaccines that are being created will likely curb the spread of H1N1.

Health officials warn, however, that even though the H1N1 virus has maintained its composition, it doesn’t mean that it is any less serious of a disease. It can still put you in the hospital and in some cases, can kill. But …read more

If you have existing cardiovascular disease, a flu vaccine could help you more than you might think. It’s possible that the vaccine could save your life.
British researchers found that the flu may assist in triggering heart attacks, and it may account for a 35 to 50% increase in heart attack deaths during flu season. The research was published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Additional past research reviewed in the current study found that people vaccinated against seasonal influenza were not as likely to experience a heart attack. The American Heart Association recommends that people who have cardiovascular disease should receive …read more

Several stores and drugstore chains are offering free flu shots for people looking for work and those who are uninsured or low cost shots, making it more affordable for preventative health.

CVS will offer 100,000 free seasonal flu shots (approx $3 million value) those who are job hunting. They are also offering low cost vaccinations at no-appointment walk in clinics throughout the United States. Walgreens, which also provides low-cost vaccinations, will provide $1 million worth of vaccinations to those who are unemployed.
Although not free, Rite Aid Corp is offering seasonal vaccinations beginning today and Walmart will be starting in …read more

With the medical community on edge wondering when the next severe pandemic will hit, governments across the world are making preparations to deal with what may happen. There are people who feel that these preparations are akin to Chicken Little and the sky falling in, but it really does seem to be a good idea to be prepared. Because something is going to happen; we just don’t know when and what, and to what severity.
Part of this preparation is making sure that the world has enough vaccines against the flu. Earlier this month, the United States FDA has approved a …read more

For those of you who are old enough to remember the 1970s, you may remember waiting in long lines to get vaccinated against the swine flu that was sweeping the nation at that time … likely because you were alerted by television PSAs such as this one:
 
In case you were wondering, this is not the same swine flu of three-plus decades ago, according to MSNBC. If you had that vaccine – or even your annual flu shot just months ago – you should not consider yourself immune. Check the MSNBC story for for more FAQs on the swine flu. 
Video & …read more

October is the beginning of flu season and ABC News gives us 5 ways to prevent the flu.
Stay away from people with symptoms, practice good handwashing, don’t use your hands to cover a cough or sneeze (use your sleeve, instead) and keeping your hands away from your face is good advice, and practicing good health habits such as proper rest and nutrition can hel you remain healthy as well.
Of course, another important way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu shot and especially make sure that any senior friends or relatives get theirs as well. …read more