(WDAY TV) – A now FDA approved H1N1 vaccine is projected to reach our area by mid-October. Meantime, health departments, schools and other organizations on both sides of the river, are working together to do what we can now to fight the spread of the virus. WDAY 6 Reporter Kelsey Soby has more on what you need to know as more and more cases of swine flu are reported across the country.

A dose of this seasonal flu vaccine won’t prevent you from getting H1N1, but it will help you fight it off by boosting your immune system. Seasonal flu clinics are underway. The H1N1 vaccine will take a separate shot.

Health experts say the new strand of flu is no doubt among us. They are not tracking confirmed H1N1 cases, but rather cases of flu-like symptoms. The tests to confirm take too long to help with prevention.

Seasonal flu claims about 36-thousand lives each year. Experts say the swine flu has similar potential, but with one important difference, it’s affecting younger people.

Bachmeier says health experts believe older people are doing a better job fighting off the virus probably because they were exposed to it earlier in life or were possibly vaccinated the last time there was a swine flu outbreak.