Who's on the front line of this fall's flu fight? You are, say HHS and CDC officials. Until Thanksgiving, at the earliest, it's going to be up to you to try not to catch the flu. And if you do catch the flu, it's going to be up to you to try not to infect anyone else.

Why? The government is rushing to deliver H1N1 swine flu vaccine to states on or around Oct. 15. Vaccination likely will take two shots given three weeks apart. No protection is expected until two to four weeks after the second shot -- around Thanksgiving for those who start vaccination in mid-October.

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The World Health Organization's flu chief urged drug makers on Saturday to donate swine flu vaccines to the world's poorest countries, which are more vulnerable in the fight against the pandemic. Dr. Keiji Fukuda said the agency is working hard to lobby the world's rich nations and flu vaccine makers for donations.

"It is clear that the poorest countries in general are just the most vulnerable to any number of diseases, and so it is a big concern," Fukuda said on the sidelines of a symposium of health officials and experts in Beijing. "We're continually hoping that more of the companies will step up and agree to donate more of the vaccine."

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Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), an herb with anti-viral properties, is being increasingly considered as a natural-defense against the H1N1 Swine Flu. Researchers believe that this antioxidant-rich herb can reduce the duration and severity of the flu.

One such popular preparation of Elderberry is Sambucol, the syrup available in most health-food stores, which has also been tested in several studies. The treatment may help in easing symptoms of flu such as muscle aches and chills, although typical Swine Flu signs also include lethargy, fever, lack of appetite, cough, nausea and sore throat.

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