Hour long special tackles H1N1

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - WANE-TV and all other local TV stations teamed up with the Allen County Health Department to air an hour long special about the H1N1 virus on Monday, October 5.

The broadcast originated from the PBS 39 studio where officials with the Fort Wayne - Allen County Health Department, various health experts, and local TV personalities tried to clear up the confusion about the new virus.

Health experts took questions from you over the phone and through email. "Most people are wondering 'Should I get the vaccine? Should I not? Is it safe?'," said Dr. Deborah McMahan, Allen County Health Department Commissioner.

There were also viewing sites around Fort Wayne for people who did not speak English. At St. Patricks Parish on South Harrison Street, Dr. Carlos Espinosa stood by to take any questions from the audience.

"One of the biggest concerns was a question about pregnant women," said Espinosa. "They are worried in a healthy fashion. I did not see any panic. They seem to be very calm."

Health officials say if people remain calm, but concerned, Monday's flu special may be the first and last.

"You don't have to have a lot of people die to have a really negative impact," said McMahan. "(If) you have a lot of widespread transmission... people aren't able to go out and go shopping, go to the coffee shop, do the things they normally do. So that's why we want people to take this seriously, figure out what you need to have on hand, and be ready."

You can find more information about the H1N1 virus here .  You can also watch the entire special by clicking on the videos in the video tab in the upper left of the story.