"With both seasonal flu and H1N1 circulating this year, physician offices are already busier than normal," said AMA Board Member Mary Anne McCaffree, MD.
"This resource allows patients to assess their symptoms and determine when to seek care for themselves or their loved ones. To prevent the spread of influenza, this site also helps determine when it
is safe for those who have been sick to return to work or school."
AMAfluhelp.org can help people assess their own flu symptoms or those of a family member, and offer advice about seeking treatment. There is also a tool for pregnant women to evaluate their need for a flu shot and for all users to monitor any post-vaccine related symptoms. The site can also generate a doctor's note when it is safe to go back to work or school.
The AMA says as the site develops it will add a number of applications that support patient/doctor communication, reduce redundant testing and allows for continuous monitoring of patients with complex health conditions.
Only two prescription antiviral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, are approved for use in people at risk of contracting the H1N1 flu/ Other versions sometimes marketed on the Internet are not approved by the FDA and should not be used.
Some of these air sterilizers, pills, lozenges, supplements, vitamins, etc. claim they can help you avoid the flu or produce less symptoms if you get the flu. The Federal Trade Commission has already warned many of these companies to stop selling these products.
Health experts say that seniors 65+ are the least likely to get H1N1 since most of this age group have developed some immunity; however if they do get sick they have a high risk of developing serious complications.