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Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has introduced new features to the government's flu website in an effort to better educate the public.

The new website now features a new H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide similar to the tool Microsoft launched on Wednesday. In addition the site has a new Flu Myths and Facts section, which provides people with the latest information about the flu such as people will not need to get two doses of the H1N1 vaccine because "scientists initially thought that two doses might be required, information from clinical trials has since demonstrated the H1N1 vaccine works faster than we expected and works well against the H1N1 virus."

Kathleen Sebelius,
Health & Human Services Secretary

"Flu.gov is a one-stop clearinghouse for the latest news about the flu," said Secretary Sebelius.  "These new resources on flu.gov will help individuals get critical information on how to protect themselves and their families from the H1N1 virus. They will also help us to get accurate information out into the public realm so people know what the facts are about the flu."

The H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide will give people more information about what they can do to take care of themselves, prevent the spread of the flu to other family members, and identify the warning signs of more serious flu symptoms that require medical attention.

The H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide does not collect identifiable information in any manner and is completely anonymous. Organizations providing public health education, blogs, and the media can add it to their sites.

"One way that we can help relieve some of the burden on the states and local providers this flu season is by helping people understand what the warning signs are when it comes to the flu," said Secretary Sebelius.

"In addition to the Self-Evaluation guide, we have also created some handy one-page information sheets called Flu Essentials that people can share with family, friends and neighbors."