Hi all! Sorry for the delay in posts. I have spent the last week and a half battling a flu virus. Not. Fun. But it looks like I'm not alone. This flu season has been a doozy so far, but you don't have to take my word for it. Just take a look at the bells and whistles on Flu.gov.

This colossal Web site serves as a working testament to the government's adoption of social networking. Backed by the White House, the CDC, DHS  and others, the site brandishes some flashy, and mostly helpful, web design.

Under the social media tab, you can find just about anything to satisfy both your internet and hypochondriac cravings. There's everything from the traditional ecard, to podcasts, blogs and rss feed. And don't forget to join the Fight the H1N1 Flu Facebook fan page, or follow FluGov on Twitter. 

One cool clickable is the "Flu Vaccine Locator" widget. This google powered app lets you plug in your zip code and spits out a list of places to get vaccinated.  Little color-coded syringes point to clinics offering the annual vacine or the H1N1 shot, or both, though if the news is any indication, it would be best to call ahead on the swine flu shot.

Another widget from the FDA lets you take a look at some of the fraudulent H1N1 cures on out there. I think my favorite is the photon genie. There's even a tab where you can report an internet flu-remedy peddler if you find one.

All of this online social networking boils down to one fact: there are some pretty nasty bugs out there right now. That means it's game time folks. Take your vitamins, wash your hands and stop eating jellybeans out of that communal dish at work. You know the one I'm talking about...

(image by James Gathany from CDC)