Dr. Kaminetsky continues, We don ™t yet know if the H1N1 virus will be a virulent flu or a much milder one. Let your primary care doctor navigate you through this cold and flu season. Dr. Kaminetsky adds that, The H1N1 virus seems to have different characteristics than the seasonal flu strains of the past. Young people and those compromised by other illness have had more severe cases than the elderly patients - even deaths. Some people may have had a mild case and have built up antibodies, therefore making them immune to the H1N1 virus.

Dr. Kaminetsky concludes, The take-away is that patients must talk to their primary care doctors about their individual situations. These doctors know the history of the patient, the medications they are taking and if they have compromised immune systems. So it is imperative to talk to a primary care physician. He also warns, Your local supermarket and drugstore may have flu shots available for you, which may be convenient, but only your primary care doctor can make an informed decision about your personal situation.

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