H1N1 flu is back and found in 37 states, CDC reports
Nasal spray vaccine for swine flu now shipping to some clinics; studies suggest it’s OK to get shots for seasonal flu and swine flu at same time
By Nathan Seppa
H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, has now returned full bore to the United States after largely dissipating over the summer, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official said during a news briefing October 9. Cases of H1N1 have been reported in 37 states, up from 27 states a week earlier, CDC physician and flu expert Anne Schuchat said at the briefing.
A vaccine that protects against the H1N1 flu virus is now leaving factories and reaching clinics, with the nasal spray vaccine arriving first and the injected vaccine to follow, Schuchat said. People considered to be highest priority, including pregnant women and health care workers, will be targeted first.
Schuchat said that 76 children have died from the 2009 H1N1 flu so far. That’s still in the range of past flu epidemics, she noted, but the H1N1 outbreak could continue until next spring. That could increase the fatality count.
Production of seasonal flu vaccine began earlier than the H1N1 vaccine and more is available. The CDC, based in Atlanta, is reporting strong demand for the seasonal flu vaccine as well as for the H1N1 vaccine.