-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When Tyra Smith 's boyfriend , Chris Lewis , first suggested they be guinea pigs in a H1N1 vaccination study in August , she was n't so crazy about the idea . But then she warmed to it : While she does n't like needles , she thought she 'd help out because she knew H1N1 was a serious virus . To cut your risk of catching a bug , doctors say wash your hands and avoid touching your mouth , nose and eyes . `` I heard people might die from it , '' Smith said . `` So I think it 's a good idea to help people , by being involved . '' Lewis and Smith , both from Baltimore , Maryland , were among the first Americans to receive H1N1 flu shots . As part of a trial of 2,400 people , they gave blood samples and kept diaries of their symptoms , all in an effort to get an H1N1 vaccine ready for the fall . Now that the results from this and other trials are in , Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the FDA has approved applications from four manufacturers to make H1N1 flu vaccine , which should be ready for high-risk patients by October 15 . She said there will be enough vaccine available for everyone eventually . And that 's just in time . With fall in the air and old man winter right around the corner , seasonal flu and the common cold are sure to follow -- and H1N1 is here ; in its most recent H1N1 update , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 21 states are reporting widespread flu activity . This cold and flu season could star a cornucopia of viruses . Doctors say they worry the two flu strains -LRB- H1N1 and seasonal -RRB- could combine , further complicating the situation . Mix in colds , which are prevalent this time of year , and the immune system of Americans could be dealt a one-two punch . So , how can someone tell if those sniffles they 're having is something to be concerned about ? Infectious disease experts say people need to be aware of the symptoms . Dr. Shmuel Shoham , an infectious-disease specialist at Washington Hospital Center , says the common cold , seasonal flu and H1N1 are all respiratory illnesses , but they 're caused by different viruses . Symptoms of the cold are more common , and can make the patient miserable for three to five days . A patient usually has a stuffy nose , congestion , some body aches and a growing cough . According to the CDC seasonal flu and H1N1 symptoms consist of fever , more painful body aches , dry cough , diarrhea and severe fatigue . It 's hard , without testing , to tell apart the seasonal strain of flu from the H1N1 variety . Watch more on cold , flu and H1N1 symptoms '' `` People need to take notice when they begin to feel bad . If they start to have respiratory problems , or are dehydrated because of a bug , they should go to the doctor . It could be H1N1 or seasonal influenza , '' says Shoham . `` Some people with influenza can get very sick and could end up in the hospital if it 's not taken care of . '' People at greatest risk for catching H1N1 include young people ages 6 months to 25 years , pregnant women , and people with chronic health conditions like asthma , diabetes or heart and lung disease . The CDC recommends that these groups -- as well as health care workers -- get vaccinated first . The seasonal influenza vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications , according to the CDC , including children ages 6 months to 18 years , people with immune system problems , women who plan on being pregnant during the flu season , those 50 years and older and health care workers . But if someone does n't fall into these categories , it does n't mean he or she should skip vaccinations altogether . Experts say everyone should get both flu shots . `` It 's the best way to protect yourself , '' Shoham says . Other than flu shots , are there other ways to stay healthy and avoid all of these bugs ? Doctors say wash your hands and keep your fingers away from your mouth , nose and eyes . If you sneeze , sneeze into your elbow so as not to transfer your germs to your hands -- and everything else around you . As for the myth about avoiding cold drafts -- forget it . `` It does n't seem to play out that sleeping with the window open , going out with your hair wet in the cold affects your immune system , '' Shoham says . Also , keep your immune system healthy . That translates to eating well , getting enough sleep and staying active . If you become ill and experience severe symptoms , see your doctor . Your physician may recommend antiviral drugs that can treat the flu . Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines -LRB- pills , liquid or an inhaled powder -RRB- that fight the flu by keeping the virus from reproducing in your body . Above all , stay away from others . If you have the flu , the CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone . It 's the best way to keep others from getting infected .