Do you think you might have the swine flu? There may be a quick and easy way to find out. A new website could help you make that determination.
It seems swine flu is all everyone's talking about these days, with debates raging on about whether the vaccine is safe. "It's the first batch, they don't have a lot of reports on you know, long term if there are any effects," said Shannon McCarter, a parent.
Federal health officials insist it's safe. "My children will get it, other public health and societal leaders and experts will get it or have their families get it," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Now there's a new unofficial way to check your chances of having swine flu. All it takes is a click of your computer mouse to help people decide how severe their flu really is. It's an interactive website offered by Microsoft and Emory University. It's designed to simulate the very conditions doctors use in their office.
It's easy and free. Just type in your age, answer some questions about fever and other symptoms along with your underlying health. In an instant, the program will determine the likelihood that you have swine flu. Then, it will tell you if you should see your doctor or just get a little rest and relaxation, drink fluids and eat down chicken noodle soup.
If you're feeling lousy, this website may be a good place to start.
