Dr. Henry (Hank) Bernstein

From H1N1 Virus to the Common Cold

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the global spread of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. This reflects that the virus has spread to other parts of the world, but it does not mean that the virus has changed or become more severe.

Families should continue to follow the same recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of germs. Joining the show is Dr. Henry Bernstein, spokesperson for the AAP on how to protect our kids during the upcoming cold/flu season.

Hank Bernstein is Professor of Pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School and Children's Hospital at Dartmouth. He regularly shares his knowledge and expertise by educating the public through writing for academic and health information websites as well as regular participation in media interviews.

Dr. Bernstein is a member of the Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID/Red Book Committee) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), whose responsibility it is to develop and revise guidelines of the AAP for control of infectious diseases in children. He also serves as the AAP Liaison to the Influenza Workgroup of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

He leads several national initiatives in medical education and clinical primary care research. His research focuses on issues important to the community-based practice of primary care, including immunization development, education, and delivery, health promotion, preventive health services, technology, medical education, and advocacy. Dr. Bernstein's clinical research studies have had significant impact on the practice of primary care pediatrics and national policy.

Melanie Cole, M.S.

9 / 9 / 2009