Attending a Centre for Disease Control and Prevention meeting last week, William Schaffner, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre’s Chair of Preventative Medicine asked virologist Nancy Cox, who is also the Chief of the Influenza Division regarding not seeing an upsurge of traditional influence virus in February and March.

To which, Nancy Cox replied that everyone was surprised, as the least predictable of respiratory illnesses, one cannot predict influenza at all, only keep up.

With an abundance of H1N1 vaccines that no one wants, there is a scarcity of seasonal flu vaccines, indicating the worst of H1N1 may have passed. With each passing day, Schaffner said he becomes more confident the virus is waning, with the worst clearly over.

Often the flu season lasts through March and April, which means getting vaccinated now offers protection for the rest of the season, including preventing the spread of influlenza.

And, with plenty of the H1N1 vaccine available, with many places offering it free of cost, it would also be a good idea to get oneself vaccinated against the H1N1 virus.

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza can make one very sick, including hospitalisation, particularly for those with certain health conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

Apart from getting vaccinated, you can take everyday precautions to remain healthy, such as:

· Covering one’s nose and mouth with your hand or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

· Hands must be washed often and with plenty of soap and hot water, and if they are not available, use a 60% alcohol-based hand cleanser.

· IIf possible, sick people must be avoided and if sick, stay at home.

· Try to keep from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

· Get sufficient sleep, exercise, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.