Can You Get the H1N1 Flu Twice?

Q. Once you have the H1N1 flu, are you immune to it?
-- Cindy, Sioux Falls, SD

A. If you've already had H1N1, you have protection, but only if you're exposed to the same strain of the virus that laid you low. Once your immune system encounters a bug, it creates memory cells that rapidly produce antibodies to fight a second attack with the same bug. That's called acquired immunity, and it's the same process that occurs when you get a flu shot that contains a killed version of the virus.

That sounds great, but the unfortunate fact is that flu viruses mutate all the time in order to avoid the killers, so the next time you encounter H1N1, it might be slightly different, and your immune system might not recognize it. But a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that you might still have partial immunity, so a bout with the new "improved" H1N1 might not be as severe as your first. The CDC found that older people -- those born before 1957 -- are less likely to get this flu, and when they do, they get a mild case. That's because they were previously infected with a similar virus that left some helpful antibodies behind. Those antibodies aren't strong enough for a total virus smackdown, but they have enough oomph to lessen symptoms.

Give your body a one-up on sickness with these all-natural immune-system boosters.

Q. I read your article on the turmeric in mustard and its health benefits. Is there a special type of mustard you use? Is there a way of getting turmeric without eating mustard?
--Leigh, via e-mail

A. We love the yellow stuff they serve with ballpark hotdogs (but without the dogs). A daily teaspoon of mustard that contains the spice (about 17 milligrams is what you want, and there just happens to be that much in a teaspoon of the yellow stuff) helps clear out brain cell waste (Dr. Mike calls it "brain poop") that may play a role in Alzheimer's disease. A little dab may also slash your risk of arthritis and colon cancer and may even help you slim down. But there are many ways to get some turmeric into your life without stuffing your pockets with packets of mustard. This is a spice that hasn't met a vegetable it didn't like. A staple of Indian curries, turmeric adds an exotic flavor to a veggie combo like cauliflower, onion, squash, and peppers. Mix it with some light mayo, minced onion, a little horseradish, and some vinegar for a delicious veggie dip. Or combine it with some of your other favorite spices (make it Moroccan with nutmeg, allspice, or cinnamon) as a rub for chicken or fish. Warm up with this delicious Moroccan Vegetable Soup.

Q. When my daughter drinks alcohol, she breaks out in blotchy rashes, hot to the touch, usually on her chest, face, and arms. This does not happen with anything other than alcohol. Do you know why?
-- Vicky Evans, CO

A. Alcohol may "maketh glad the heart," but sometimes it maketh red the skin, particularly if you have a genetic (inherited) trait that makes it tough for your body to break down alcohol. It's so common in people of Asian descent that it's often referred to as the "Asian flush," though it occurs in other ethnicities. The rash, which can feel warm, is sometimes accompanied by heart palpitations, headache, stomachache, or a drop in blood pressure. They're all brought on by excessive amounts of acetaldehyde -- a breakdown product of alcohol -- in the bloodstream.

If this is your daughter's problem, it's not simply a cosmetic issue. Recent studies have linked genetic alcohol flushing to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Although anecdotal evidence suggests an antacid may help, teetotaling -- or at least cutting back --might be the most prudent solution. If it's not her genes, it may be an allergic response to other substances in beer, wine, and hard liquor. Sulfites, used as a preservative in wine, have been known to cause flushing; the grains in beer and liquor can cause symptoms, too. About half of people with rosacea, a skin disorder that causes redness, say they experience flare-ups when they drink. And some medications, including cholesterol-lowering drugs and antibiotics, can leave you blushing after a cocktail faster than a raunchy joke. An allergist or dermatologist can help get to the bottom of her red-faced mystery.

Get more advice on tricky skin issues with the RealAge Skin Care Assessment.