H1N1 is a contagious virus that spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may also become infected by touching something—such as a surface or object—with flu germs on it and then touching their mouths or noses. Because of this, common sense precautions, such as washing your hands, covering a sneeze, and avoiding touching your face, can be very effective in limiting exposure.

Unlike seasonal flu, which tends to infect people over the age of 64 in greater numbers, H1N1 appears to affect a higher proportion of people under the age of 25. Parents can help protect their children by teaching them good health habits, keeping them home from school when they're sick, and following public and community health guidelines.

H1N1 was originally referred to as "swine flu" because early tests indicated that genes in this new virus were similar to those in flu viruses associated with North American swine (pigs). Since then, further testing has called these similarities into question, leading to renaming the virus H1N1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides updates on the status of the H1N1 vaccine.

Common-sense steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should go away without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Keep away from people as much as possible to people from making others sick. If you have a family member at home with H1N1 flu, you can go to work every day, but you should monitor your health closely for signs of illness.