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What if my child has the swine flu? How can I really tell if it is H1N1? With the spread of flu continuing nationwide, combined with the swine flu vaccine shortage, many parents are concerned and others are furious as supplies are not meeting expectations. Others just have lots of questions.

H1N1 Symptoms in Children Have Parents Asking Questions (Image: WENN)

The US government has pleaded with citizens to use the suggested vaccination sequence of a seasonal flu shot, followed by the H1N1 vaccination shot (and/or follow up spray for certain age groups) to stop the spread, but the availability of swine flu vaccine is still short.

A recent poll even showed that of those that have tried to get the vaccine, (not everyone, only those that have tried) only 30% of those that wanted it, actually got the vaccine.


A CBS News Sunday Morning report notes that "Despite Scientific Proof of the Value of Vaccines, Many Fear Getting H1N1 Shots". The premise of the article is that some parents are unsure if they should allow their children to take the vaccination and that is why the shortage is so stunning. With a much smaller pool of potential people wishing to take a flu shot, it still seems impossible for officials to keep up.

So where do parents turn? The CDC has very good information here. The government notes that "Flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase and are very high nation-wide compared to what is expected for this time of year."

The page has several links to vital information on how to diagnose swine flu symptoms, along with treatment and plans to help stop the disease from spreading.