WTOV9 Studios -- A panel of local health care experts fielded calls from hundreds of Ohio Valley residents Thursday during a live phone bank WTOV9 provided as a service to our viewers.

Doctors from local hospitals and officials from local county health departments answered questions over the phone and via e-mail for three hours at the WTOV9 studios.

Many callers were concerned about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine.

"You cannot get the flu from the vaccine," said Dr. Robert Olexo of Wheeling Hospital.

Others were concerned about whether the shot was safe for children.

"It is safe," said Olexo. "I do reccomend it. I got it myself."

Health officials told callers using common sense goes a long way toward protecting yourself from exposure to the virus.

"The main thing is handwashing, handwashing, handwashing," said Becky Howell, RN, of the Jefferson County Health Department.

"Avoid anyone who is obviously sick," said Olexo.

Howell warned that even your workspace could expose you to the virus.

"If you're right there, you possibly could." said Howell. "That's why it's good to sanitize, especially phones or anything that's up close to your face."