A new trend has popped up around the world since the novel H1N1 swine flu became a pandemic. Swine flu parties. This is where people gather to intentionally expose themselves (or their children) to a person with a known swine flu infection. They believe by exposing themselves and catching the illness now, they will build up their immunity and hopefully avoid catching it if it becomes more serious or deadly in the future.

The problem is that no one knows how the virus will affect them until they have it. It seems to be killing people in all age groups (unlike the seasonal flu which typically only seriously affects the very old and very young). So just because you are young and healthy doesn't mean the virus will necessarily be "mild" for you.

These types of "parties" have been around for years among parents who want their children to catch diseases such as chickenpox naturally rather than giving them vaccines. Unfortunately, they just aren't safe and really aren't a good idea. So while the swine flu is nothing to panic about, it's also not something you want to go out and get intentionally either. It's really best to avoid it if you can.

An FDA panel has been meeting in recent days over concerns about Tylenol (acetaminophen) leading to liver failure. This has always been one of the main concerns with Tylenol, but the large number of overdoses and deaths have prompted the FDA to take action and consider changes with this medication.

Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many medications, from prescription painkillers to cold and cough medications. Any changes could have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and on the patients that rely on them to help with pain and fevers.

This panel does not have the final say over what the FDA will decide, but their recommendations are often followed, as they were recently regarding the use of cold medications in young children.

The panel recommended the following changes regarding the use of acetaminophen:

• Eliminating prescription drugs containing acetaminophen such as Vicodin and Percocet
• Lower the maximum single dosage from 1000 mg to 650 mg
• Lower the maximum daily dosage from 4 grams (they were not asked to and did not recommend an alternate maximum daily dose)
• Make 1000 mg dose of acetaminophen available only by prescription

The panel was also asked to consider whether cough and cold medications containing acetaminophen should be removed from the market but decided against making that recommendation.

Learn more about the FDA panel's decisions regarding Tylenol from About.com's Guide to Neck and Back Pain.

Have you ever had a really sore throat? Strep throat typically comes with a much more severe sore throat than is typical with a cold or other virus.

It is a common infection and occurs most often in school age children, although it can affect people of all ages. You have probably heard about it and may have even had it, but do you know everything you need to know about strep throat?

Did you know that it must be treated with antibiotics? Did you know that it can lead to a potentially life threatening heart infection if it's not treated properly? Do you know what the incubation period is for strep throat?

Find out the answers to these questions and more so you will be prepared next time you believe you or a loved one might have strep throat.

Late spring and summer typically sees the end of flu season, but this year we are in the midst of a flu pandemic and the rules have apparently changed. Although H1N1 swine flu doesn't appear to be as severe as initially feared, it is proving to be resilient in the face of warmer weather.

The seasonal flu doesn't survive well in warm weather so it is pretty uncommon during the summer months. But this pandemic flu is popping up in summer camps around the US. It is continuing to spread in the general population as well, but seems to be more highly concentrated in areas where there are a lot of young people gathered together.

To help prepare and combat the spread of this pandemic flu, the CDC has written some guidelines for camp staff and parents. The Association of Camp Nurses also has an excellent preparation plan for camp directors and health professionals.