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Ample Swine Flu Vaccine Will Be Available, HHS Secretary Says
Ample supplies of swine flu vaccine will be available eventually, the secretary of Health and Human Services says.
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2 Comments 
WASHINGTON (October 26, 2009)—U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says vaccine for the swine flu virus "is coming out the door as fast as it comes off the production line."
Sebelius said in a nationally broadcast interview Monday that it's unfortunate supplies are not where officials intended them to be at this juncture, but also said there eventually will be enough to go around.
Sebelius appeared as the flu in the United States spreads.
Roughly a thousand people have died.
President Barack Obama has declared a health emergency and Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Sunday that Congress would be happy to provide additional support and money on a bipartisan basis, if the need arises.
The current virus is described as a new subtype of swine flu or A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. The virus combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before.
How Is It Transmitted?
People cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. No food safety issues have been identified, related to the flu. Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the flu had contact with hogs. The virus is spreading by human-to-human transmission.
Swine Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include:
Fever
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Runny nose
Sore throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
What To Do If You Get Sick
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
(CDC)
Steps You Can Take To Stay Healthy
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
(CDC)
Links And Other Resources
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has a toll-free information line to answer any questions you may have about the swine flu. The number is 1-888-777-5320
Federal Flu Information Web Site
World Health Organization Human Swine Influenza Site
World Health Organization Human Swine Influenza Site
Latest Comments
Hey Mach, I just read where 45,000 convicts in prison are going to get the h1n1 vaccination on the 1st of November. Hmmmm....first the white house, now the convicts....I have 2 children with asthma, including myself & we havent been able to get it. My oldest child & myself have had pneumonia 3 times. Oh and we DO NOT SMOKE. My oldest is 13. We are in the high risk group and probably will have to wait until Dec. to get the vaccine. Our Dr.s will not be one of the providers for h1n1. Why protect the convicts over the innocents?
I just read where Obama's daughters received their swine flu vaccinations last week. They are NOT in what is considered a priority/high risk group, they go to a very small private school, and do not mingle with the general population. It begs the question... Have all the Senators/Congressmen,their families and staff also received this preferential treatment? While it is not a significant number, it is the principal....over 1,000 lives have been lost and the people who need it have to wait to get it. Tell the parent of a sick or high risk child they need to take a back seat to those that are considered the "worried well".
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