The seasonal flu vaccines created this year will guard against the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused apandemic last flu season as well as two other flu virus strains that are predicted to be the main strains this season.

The 2010 flu vaccine will contain three viral strains: influenza A H3N2, influenza B and the 2009 versionof H1N1.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2009 H1N1 virus, which was responsible
for the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years, is expected to spread again this upcoming season along with other seasonal flu viruses.

Clinics are expected to start offering the flu vaccine in late October. The CDC recommends that every one six months of age or older get vaccinated. Young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and those 65 and older are at a higher risk of getting flu.

The flu season can begin as early as October, but usually peaks after December.