10 things you need to know

       Since it first emerged in April, the global swine flu epidemic has sickened more than 1 million in the US and killed about 500.
       It has also spread around the world, infecting tens of thousands and killing nearly 2,000.
       This summer, the virus has been surprisingly tenacious in the US, refusing to fade away as flu viruses usually do.
       And health officials predict a surge of cases this autumn, perhaps very soon as schools reopen.
       A White House report from an expert panel suggests that from 30 percent to half the US population could catch H1N1 during the course of this pandemic and that from 30,000 to 90,000 could die.
       So how worried should you be and how do you prepare? Here are 10 things you should know to be flusavvy:
       1. No cause for panic.
       So far, H1N1 isn't much more threatening than regular seasonal flu.
       During the few months of this new flu's existence, hospitalisations and deaths from it seem to be lower than the average seen for seasonal flu, and the virus hasn't dramatically mutated. That's what health officials have observed in the Southern Hemisphere where flu season is now winding down.
       Still, more people are susceptible to Type A flu and US health officials are worried because it hung in so firmly during the summer - a time of year the flu usually goes away.
       2. Virus tougher on some.
       H1N1 is more of a threat to certain groups - children under 2, pregnant women, people with health problems such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more vulnerable to H1N1.
       Ordinary, seasonal flu hits older people the hardest, but not H1N1. Scientists think older people may have some immunity from exposure years earlier to viruses similar to this one.
       3. Wash your hands often and long.
       Like seasonal flu, H1N1 spreads through the coughs and sneezes of people who are ill.
       Emphasize to children that they should wash with soap and water long enough to finish singing the alphabet song,"Now I know my ABC's ..." Also use alcoholbased hand sanitisers.
       4. Get the children vaccinated.
       These groups should be first in line for H1N1 shots when they become available, especially if vaccine supplies are limited - people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women and health care workers.
       Also a priority: parents and carers of infants, people with high-risk medical conditions.
       5. Get your shots early.
       H1N1 shots should be available later this year. If you are in one of the priority groups, try to get your shot as early as possible.
       Check with your doctor about where to do this.
       6. Immunity takes a while.
       Even those first in line for shots won't have immunity for a month or more.
       That's because it's likely to take two shots, given three weeks apart, to provide protection. And it takes a week or two after the last shot for the vaccine to take full effect.
       The regular seasonal flu shot should be available later in the year. People over 50 are urged to be among the first to get that shot.
       7. Vaccines are being tested.
       Health officials presume the H1N1 vaccine is safe and effective, but they're testing it to make sure.
       The US government has begun studies in eight cities across the country to assess its effectiveness and figure out the best dose.
       Vaccine makers are doing their own tests as well.
       8. Help! Surrounded by H1N1.
       If an outbreak of swine flu hits your area before you're vaccinated, be extra cautious.
       Stay away from public gathering places such as shopping complexes, sports events and churches. Try to keep your distance from people in general. Keep washing those hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
       9. What if you get sick?
       If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. You may be prescribed Tamiflu or Relenza.These drugs can reduce the severity of Type A flu if taken right after symptoms start.
       If you develop breathing problems (rapid breathing for children), pain in your chest, constant vomiting or a fever that keeps rising, go to an emergency room.
       Most people, though, should just stay home and rest. Cough into your elbow or shoulder. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks. Fluids and pain relievers like Tylenol or paracetamol can help with achiness and fever. Always check with a doctor before giving children any medicines. Adult cold and flu remedies are not for them.
       10. No H1N1 from the barbecue.
       You can't catch H1N1 from pork or poultry either (even though it recently turned up in turkeys in Chile). H1N1 flu is not spread by handling meat, whether it's raw or cooked.
       Source: US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.