Because people across the area have concerns and questions about the H1N1 virus, WJAC-TV has created a phone bank to clear up the confusion.

Dr. Michael Allswede of Conemaugh Health System said the H1N1 virus is very similar to the seasonal flu virus.

"A non-H1N1 flu in let's say, a cancer patient, would be just as lethal as the H1N1 flu. I don't think that the virus is any … more or less lethal than any other flu virus we've come in contact with," Allswede said.

With regard to the swine flu vaccine, he said many people might be more immune than they think. In 2008 a strain "A" H1N1 was put in the seasonal flu vaccine. So, people who were vaccinated for the seasonal flu in 2008 may have more of immunity to the H1N1 virus. Allswede said elderly people are usually the group to get seasonal flu shots, so they're now the group with the best immunity.

For people with concerns and questions about the H1N1 virus, several other health care professionals will take questions from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at 1-888-952-2462. Your questions can also be e-mailed to news@wjactv.com.

For more about the H1N1 virus, you can also visit our special section.