On Sept. 10, the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NAID) announced the preliminary results of clinical trials of the swine flu vaccine. Trials by Sonafi Pasteur and CSL Limited found the 15 microgram dose to be just as effective as a 30 microgram dose, meaning the vaccine supply will go twice as far as originally expected.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all individuals receive a vaccine for the seasonal flu, even though it is not expected to protect against the H1N1 virus. According to the CDC, teenagers will not be targeted to receive vaccination against H1N1 except for those with chronic medical conditions, though vaccination is recommended for all people once the target groups are reached. “If there’s an excess [of the vaccine] I’ll get the shot, but not before people who really need vaccination get it,” junior Nilofer Chollampat said.

H1N1 spreads similarly to the seasonal flu: through coughs, sneezes and touching infected areas. The virus also has similar symptoms to the seasonal flu including a fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, chills, fatigue and nausea. To prevent the spread of H1N1, the CDC recommends washing hands often and covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.