• Federal health officials announced on Tuesday that one dose of the H1N1 vaccine protects pregnant women against the flu, but American children under 10 still need two doses. The announcement comes after clinical trials of the vaccine, conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The officials also announced that a panel of experts from outside the government will monitor vaccinations for any unexpected side effects over the coming months.

 

• Here in New York, the Department of Health has expanded H1N1 vaccinations to middle schools and high schools. Middle school and high school students can be vaccinated this weekend. The Department of Health is opening vaccination clinics on the weekends for students for the next five weekends beginning this Saturday, November 7. While the centers are intended for middle and high school students, they will be open to all students, ages four and up. Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all students under age 18 will need a parental consent form.

  To find the nearest clinic or for more information, visit the DOH website.

At the height of the H1N1 flu virus outbreak in the spring, WNET.ORG Special Correspondent Rafael Pi Roman went to the streets to document how the “swine flu” affected everyday New Yorkers. Watch his report now.

As we approach the onset of the fall flu season, how is the latest H1N1 outbreak affecting you? What do you think of how the federal government and the city are handling the crisis? Give us your comments … More …

• On October 23, President Obama declared the H1N1 “swine flu” outbreak a national emergency, allowing hospitals and local governments to set up alternate sites for treatment to handle new patients. Federal officials emphasized that Mr. Obama’s declaration did not mean that the outbreak of the H1N1 flu nationwide has gotten worse.

 

• The New York City Department of Health is monitoring both seasonal and unique H1N1 influenza activity during the 2009-2010 flu season. Daily and weekly updates (posted every Friday) track trends in influenza-like illness and show which influenza viruses are currently circulating in the city.

Correspondent Rafael Pi Roman speaks with New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley about the expected return of the H1N1 virus during the normal flu season.

WNET.ORG Special Correspondent Rafael Pi Roman speaks with Dr. Philip Alcabes, an infectious-disease expert at Hunter College, about the reclassification of the swine flu as a pandemic, and what that means for New York.

WNET.ORG Special Correspondent Rafael Pi Roman goes all over the city to document the impact of the H1N1 virus, talking to doctors, parents, politicians and regular New Yorkers about how they’re coping during the flu outbreak.

In response the growing list of school closures in New York City, the city’s Department of Education has begun posting daily school attendance records on their website. Schools Chancellor Joel Klein sent the following letter to parents, describing the decision-making process behind the school closings, and how schools are monitoring their students:

May 20, 2009

Dear School Community,

Since the H1N1 flu, or “swine flu,” first came to New York City in April, officials at the Department of Education and the Department of Health have been intensively monitoring the health of students and other members of the school community. We have been working closely with principals and school nurses to keep students and other members of our school community healthy. Today, I would like to update you on this situation.

WHAT IS THE SWINE FLU?
This flu is caused by a newly identified virus called H1N1. Since April, it has caused outbreaks of flu-like illness in New York City and around the world. The symptoms are similar to regular seasonal flu symptoms. Most people who become infected have fever, which is accompanied by cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and body ache. H1N1 spreads from person to person the same way seasonal flu spreads: when someone coughs or sneezes, he or she can infect someone else in close proximity. Shaking hands or other types of direct contact may also transfer the virus. So far, the symptoms of the new H1N1 flu have closely resembled those of seasonal flu and most people who become sick are recovering, but any influenza virus can cause severe illness, so we are taking aggressive precautions.

HOW ARE SCHOOLS MONITORING THIS SITUATION? More …

Worldfocus’ special report on the H1N1 flu traces the evolution of an epidemic around the world, from the first days in Mexico to the far reaches of the globe. Scientists are racing to learn more about H1N1. It may not be a mass killer now — but what does the future hold?

Worldfocus examines how governments around the world responded, for better or worse, and diagnoses how the media covered the story — the fine line between public service and spreading panic.

More >