Each year we're offered the opportunity here at DecisionHealth to get a flu shot. A nurse comes in and, after getting the shot, there is usually a little bowl of candy.
Because of all of the attention being given to the swine flu, it was clarified that the shot we're getting is just for the "regular" flu and, when the H1N1 or swine flu vaccine becomes available, we can line up for a second shot. Good thing I'm not afraid of needles.
The Dept. of Health and Human Services and CMS have been leading the charge to publicize their aggressive efforts to be prepared for the swine flu, so you can certainly expect to be hearing from your patients this fall -- if you're not hearing from them already.
The latest announcement came yesterday -- a Web cast for parents and children, where a team of CDC officials talked about how to keep kids healthy this flu season. Advice that is no doubt practical for every flu season, but the emergence of swine flu has raised the panic level a notch or two.
Be prepared to hear more about it soon.