H1N1: your questions answered

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Eyewitness News viewers submitted their H1N1 questions and we went to the experts for the answers.

What are some of the steps parents can take to keep their children from getting H1N1?

1. If the vaccine is available, get the vaccine.

2. Observe your child for illness. If your child is significantly ill, they have to be evaluated because there is treatment.

3. Teach your children good hygiene. Basically, cover your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough. Keep your hands clean. Don't bring your hands to your face, except when you eat food after they've been washed.

Dr. David Lowe, Kent Hospital Infection Prevention and Control

Where can I get the vaccine?

Currently there is a shortage. The Rhode Island Health Department is distributing it through the school systems for school-aged children grades K-12. Younger children will need to get the vaccine through their doctor's office.

(Click here for the school vaccination clinic schedule)

Dr. David Lowe, Kent Hospital Infection Prevention and Control

What happens if me or my child becomes ill before getting vaccinated?

"Death is rare. It's one in 1,000. Vaccine can prevent the virus. But, we also have adequate treatment - Tamiflu - if the patient is treated early. So, I would advise those people who haven't gotten the vaccine yet; if your child gets sick, or if you feel sick, if it's a serious illness with high fever, chills, cough, scratchy throat, runny nose -  much more severe symptoms than you get with your usual cold, then you have to notify your healthcare provider so you can be evaluated to see if you should get Tamiflu."

Dr. David Lowe, Kent Hospital Infection Prevention and Control

Why is the flu hitting children? I thought children had a good immune system because they are young.

"Children do have a good immune system. However this particular virus is having a predilection for that immune system and that's why we're seeing children getting sicker from this virus than adults are."

Dr. Elizabeth Lange President, RI American Academy of Pediatrics

Where and when is the swine flu vaccination going to be made available for pregnant women? I've called several places that were supposed to have the vaccine right after it came out, and they didn't have it.

"Right now, pregnant women are advised to receive their vaccinations for H1N1 at their obstetrician's office. And the obstetrician's offices who can best advise them when that vaccine is available."

Dr. Elizabeth Lange President, RI American Academy of Pediatrics

For people that don't have health insurance, when will the h1n1 flu shot be available, where can they go to receive it, and how much will it cost?

"If there is an uninsured patient who is a school-aged child, that child will be receiving their H1N1 vaccine in the school-based clinics, and there is no cost to the parents for that. If the uninsured child is a pre-school-aged child, they will be receiving this H1N1 vaccine in their pediatrician's clinic. If the uninsured is a young adult, 18-24 years old, there will be public clinics for the H1N1 vaccine after all the school-based clinics are completed, and that will probably be the end of December"

What is the difference between the nasal spray and vaccination? It is my understanding that the nasal spray is for anyone 49 and younger. Why the 49-year-old cutoff? Is one more effective than the other?"

"Both the nasal spray and the shot vaccine protect against H1N1. Younger is defined as 49 and younger and it seems the nasal spray is effective in people that are that age."

Dr. Elizabeth Lange President, RI American Academy of Pediatrics

I have an 18-month-old who already got the seasonal flu shot in September. She doesn't go to daycare, my mother watches her. Should she still get the swine flu shot?"

"Pediatricians are recommending the swine flu vaccine or H1N1 vaccine to all children 6 months of age and older."

Dr. Elizabeth Lange President, RI American Academy of Pediatrics

Will all the vaccines in the Scituate schools be given out on Tuesday be the single does without mercury? Also do all the children that are vaccinated need to have another vaccine a month later?

"The vaccines given out in the schools are in multidose vials. These multidose vials do continue thimerosal but there is no scientific proven study that say that thimerosal is a threat."

Dr. Elizabeth Lange President, RI American Academy of Pediatrics

Is there enough vaccine to go around for the second dose of H1N1, recommended by the CDC for children 9 and under?

"Yes, there will be enough vaccine for the second dose, it will vary on how soon, and depend on the groups on how they get the vaccine."

Dr. David Gifford, RI Department of Health Director

If someone already had the flu, should they get the shot?

"If you have gotten flu like illnesses, you should still get the vaccine."

Dr. David