Swine flu or H1N1 influenza "is now widespread in 41 states" according to a report from the Center for Disease Control.   Deaths from pneumonia and flu-like illnesses have passed what the CDC considers as an epidemic.  11 more children have died from H1N1 influenza infections bringing the total to 86 children since April.  That is nearly twice the number of deaths usually reported for an entire season of flu "and no one knows how long this swine flu outbreak will last." Dr. Anne Schuchat, the Director of the CDC's immunization and respiratory diseases thinks that" these are very sobering statistics."  We have only begun this flu season and the numbers are ominous. 

.Don't expect the ready availability of the flu vaccine as manufacturers scramble to produce enough vaccine for all.  Vaccine manufacturers have told CDC that the yield of H1N1 antigen, the substance that produces infection-fighting antibodies, has been lower than expected.  Although the first wave of vaccine has come in the form of a nasal spray subsequent batches are expected to come in this form and traditional injection. 
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The symptoms of the  H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.  To answer one of the most pressing questions the virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. The flu virus is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something -  such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Antibiotics are useless in fighting the virus since antibiotics are effective only against bacteria and not viruses.  There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 called "anti-viral" drugs.  But the best thing to do is prevention.  Simple hand washing, avoiding people who are coughing and or sneezing, staying away from sick people, getting enough rest and eating a diet rich in antioxidants are the best things to do to protect yourself and your family.   
 

Sources:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33345714/ns/health-kids_and_parenting
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm