The Current Flu Situation
- Extensive efforts are underway to to respond to the H1N1 flu virus and monitor the spread of the flu. More…
- A pandemic has been declared. The World Health Organization has declared that a global pandemic level of H1N1 influenza is underway. More…
- Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. The CDC encourages people to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available. The H1N1 flu vaccine is in development for early fall. More…
- Learn more about the H1N1 flu, Seasonal flu and Prescription Medications. More…
The Domestic Impact
On April 26, 2009 the Department of Health and Human Services issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in the United States. On July 23, 2009, and again on October 1, 2009, Secretary Sebelius signed renewals of the determination. On October 24, 2009, President Obama signed a national emergency declaration for H1N1 flu.H1N1 FluView (CDC): | H1N1 flu activity is being tracked through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems and reported weekly in FluView. Flu View (CDC): |
H1N1: The Year in Review - an interactive timeline
Follow the month-by-month development of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic.
The Global Impact
- On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization
(WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 flu is underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. Note: This action was a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 flu virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. - More than 200 countries have reported cases of H1N1 flu infection.
- The United States continues to report the largest number of H1N1 flu cases of any country worldwide, however, most people who have become ill have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
- Continuous global surveillance, rapid detection and isolation of influenza are ongoing, coordinated efforts. More information on the global response
The Facts about Vaccination
The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine are separate injections. A seasonal vaccine is distributed routinely every year, and the H1N1 flu vaccine has been developed for distribution in the fall 2009 flu season. Use our Flu Shot Locator to get vaccinated where you live.
- The seasonal flu is still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
- The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu and the H1N1 flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Each is intended to be used along-side one another.
- It is anticipated that seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, it is likely that the seasonal vaccine will be available earlier than the H1N1 flu vaccine.
- The CDC recommends that certain priority groups be the first to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine. Vaccine supplies are plentiful and everyone is urged to get vaccinated. More…
- The CDC does not expect that there will be a shortage of H1N1 flu vaccine, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable. Use our Flu Shot Locator to get vaccinated where you live.
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Information on Prescription Medications
