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Can you catch the virus again?

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TBO.com

Published: October 27, 2009

Q. Once you have had the H1N1 virus, can you catch it again?

- Diane, Yorba Linda, Calif.

Q. If you get the swine flu can you get it again and do you need to still get the vaccine?

- Beth, Hudson

A. You both ask one of the most common swine flu questions out there. And it's getting asked because the answer isn't easy or clear.

The specific H1N1 or swine flu virus can be caught only once, as your body will become immune. But it's important to know that there are very few people who know for sure that it's swine flu they caught.

Swine flu has hit well over 1 million Americans since April. Because it is so widespread – and the symptoms are mostly mild – public health officials stopped asking doctors to do the specific test for the virus.

Most doctors are doing what's called a rapid test, which only shows you may have a type of flu. So you're sick, but you really can't be certain with which virus.

Now onto vaccines. Swine flu vaccine is designed to prevent the specific H1N1 virus strand. The seasonal flu vaccine, which already is widely available, prevents three different viral strands scientists predict will be flying around this winter.

Each vaccine protects against specific viruses and will not help with the other.

The good news is that all the vaccines are voluntary, so you get the final say whether swine or seasonal flu vaccines are best for you.

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