Does H1N1 vaccination really helps?

Ways to prevent H1N1 influenza infection includes vaccination against influenza virus.
There are two kinds of vaccine available: inactivated injection ("FLU SHOT") & live attenuated nasal spray.Flu vaccination though can't prevent all cases of flu but is still the best defense against. It takes about 2 weeks to develop immunity.

Young children, person older than 64 years, pregnant females, people with heart, kidney, brain or lung diseases, immuno-compromised state and their care takers or close contacts should preferably receive vaccination.

People with history of severe allergy to previous flu shot, egg, gelatin or antibiotics, previous history of Guillain Barre syndrome or presently not feeling well should inform their doctor before taking flu vaccination.

There is no value of post exposure vaccination in preventing infection.  

H1N1- prevention is best way to curb the menace

Prevention of H1N1 Influenza flu is possible. We can stop the spread of infection virus understanding following simple measures.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. 
• Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• You may be asked to put on a facemask to protect others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Know more about H1N1 flu

H1N1 flu is also known as swine flu due to its genetic makeup. It is a type of flu virus (influenza A virus) which came in existence in 2009. It causes common cold or flu in humans. It gets transmitted from one infected individual to healthy people by droplets created by sneezing, coughing etc and by touching surfaces having viruses on it.
The infectivity starts a day prior of becoming symptomatic and continues for an average 4-5 days. Children are infective for a longer duration upto 10 days.

The symptoms of H1N1 is no different from flu or common cold. It can be treated and prevention is best measure as with all infections.