Issue date: November 19, 2000

Last week's Best of the Web

Where on the Web

Fight the flu

It's flu season, and we've tracked down a few stuffy-head-fever-so-you-can-rest sites.

our best bet for a basic roundup of flu facts is the Flu Center, sponsored by the Baylor College of Medicine (bcm.tmc.edu/pa/flucenter.htm). You'll learn the difference between a cold and the flu, and whether -- and when -- to get vaccinated this season. (Federal health officials are asking healthy people under age 65 to wait unitl late November or December to be sure there's enough vaccine for those who really need it, such as the elderly and kids with chronic diseases.) What most people don't realize is that the flu, or influenza, can be deadly: Each year, 30 million Americans will get the flu, 150,000 will be hospitalized for it and 20,000 will likely die of it.

When you're sick, how do you know whether you should see your doctor? FamilyDoctor.org has a feature called "Should I call my doctor?" listing warning signs that your flu has gone from bad to worse. And be especially vigilant with children: They are at high risk of picking up the virus (especially at school) and spreading it to the rest of the family.

For more information, try:

• CNN's Flu Tracker A clickable map helps you see how the flu is spreading through your state.cnn.com/health/cold.flu
• Mayo Clinic Health Oasis Get the word on vaccinations. mayohealth.org/mayo/0010/htm/fluvaccine.htm
  

By Rula Razek, editor in chief of Internet Cool Guide (internetcoolguide.com).