Is there a swine influenza vaccine available?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine influenza, but the CDC has begun the process to get a vaccine developed. • Will the influenza vaccine I got this year protect me from the swine influenza? No. The swine influenza virus is not contained in the 2008-2009 flu vaccine. However, it is still recommended that people get vaccinated with the influenza vaccine if they have not done so, because the influenza vaccine can still protect against other circulating influenza viruses. Additionally, it is recommend to get current vaccination status checked for all other recommended vaccines, including the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine as well. • Are there medicines for treating swine influenza in humans? Certain drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may help lessen the severity of swine influenza. These antiviral drugs work best if started within two days of symptoms. • Should I cancel my travel plans to Mexico? The CDC recommends that people avoid a
