iVillage’s message boards and blogs have been brimming with questions and worries surrounding this year’s flu pandemic. We asked NBC Medical Director Tanya Benenson, M.D., to address your concerns.

The Basics of H1N1, aka Swine Flu
The Vaccine
Hygiene and Prevention

The Basics of H1N1, aka Swine Flu

Question: Why are they calling it "swine flu" if it doesn't come from swine?

Dr. Tanya: When researchers first started studying this H1N1 strain, they discovered genes in common with influenza viruses that infect pigs. But as it turned out, this virus also has genetic elements from bird and human influenzas. The term “swine flu” simply stuck with the popular media.

Q: I don't understand why swine flu is getting so much press—not that I don't believe it's a risk. But don’t thousands of people die from seasonal flu each year? Why is swine flu worse?

Dr. Tanya: The H1N1 strain we’re seeing this year is one we haven’t seen before. And the reason we’re paying so much attention is that it’s acting differently than regular flu does. It lasted through the summer, when most flus disappear. It is also hitting the young and healthy hardest, much harder than is typical with the seasonal flu. We’re not completely sure why it’s behaving in these ways or what to expect if this virus mutates, or changes, as many viruses do.

NEXT: The H1N1 Vaccine