5. If I catch the H1N1 virus, are there treatments available? Yes, there are commercially available treatments for the H1N1 virus. The CDC recommends the medically supervised use of either Tamiflu or Relenza. Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches, fatigue and chills. In some cases, people experience vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, contraction of the H1N1 virus can result in hospitalization and even death. If you're insured: If you exhibit mild symptoms of the flu, stay home and contact your health care provider. The CDC asks people not to go to the emergency room unless you are "very sick." But, if you exhibit serious symptoms of the flu, you should not hesitate to go to the emergency room. If you're uninsured: If you exhibit mild symptoms of the flu, stay home and contact the Center for Disease Control at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348. They're accessible 24 hours a day. The CDC asks people not to go to the emergency room unless you are "very sick." But, if you exhibit the serious symptoms of the flu, you should not hesitate to go to the emergency room. If you're seeking alternatives to emergency care or looking for resources in your community, contact the Foundation for Health Coverage Education at wwwverageforall or call them at 800-234-1317. The FHCE can help you access free or low cost health care providers in your area.

6. Should I get insurance to protect myself in case I get the H1N1 swine flu? There are innumerable reasons to get health insurance, not the least of which is the H1N1 virus and vaccine. In fact, a new study in the American Journal of Public Health(2) estimates that 45,000 deaths each year in the U.S. are associated with people failing to obtain adequate treatment because they did not having health insurance. As it relates to H1N1, serious cases can require hospitalization, which can be extremely expensive.If you're not insured: Contact eHealthInsurance or the Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE) to explore your coverage options. In many cases, people have more options for health coverage than they think. The FHCE publishes an annual report on public health insurance options available in every state. If you research the individual health insurance market, know that you're typically able to cancel your policy at any time with little or no obligation. Short-term insurance products, which usually last six months, can also be a good option but before you buy a short-term plan, know that the insurer is not obligated to renew that short-term policy once the term is up. For more details on individual health insurance you can also refer to eHealthInsuance's press release on health insurance risks to avoid or use eHealthInsuance's new buyer's guide, which is available online at www.eHealthInsurance/guide

SOURCE: eHealth, Inc.