The best web sources for updates on this topic are, along with the Board of Health web site:
Flu outbreaks evolve in unpredictable ways; it is impossible to know whether this outbreak will decrease, remain the same, or grow in coming weeks, and whether the illness will remain at its current severity which, on the whole has been relatively mild for most people.
Some severe cases may occur in people with underlying risk factors such as young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions.
Guidance for the Public:
Preventing the Flu: Because there is no vaccine for H1N1 influenza, public health officials remind all Massachusetts residents to continue taking simple steps to keep themselves and others healthy.
Treating the Flu: Most people that get the H1N1 flu do not need to be tested or seen by a doctor. They can simply stay home, get plenty of rest, and take over-the- counter medication for their fever, aches and pains. Although the H1N1 flu doesn't seem to be more severe than the seasonal flu, certain groups of people may be at greater risk for complications from any flu – whether seasonal or H1N1.
Anyone in the groups listed below who has a fever, along with a cough, sore throat or runny nose, should contact their doctor to talk with them about treatment with antivirals. Antivirals work best if they are taken within 2 days of when symptoms start, so even people with mild illness should call their doctor right away if they have any of these conditions.
Because there is no vaccine for H1N1 influenza, public health officials remind all Massachusetts residents to continue taking simple steps to keep themselves and others healthy.
There are steps that everyone can take to help keep from getting or spreading any type of influenza:
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Practice good cough etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow rather than your hand.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.
Swine influenza cannot be transmitted from eating pork or pork products. The symptoms of swine flu in people appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.