The public information about the status of H1N1 Novel Flu strain has been abundant and for the most part measured.  The disease has continued to infect large number of residents in our area.  Nation wide it is considered wide spread in 46 States including Texas.  There have been in excess of 1,000 deaths throughout the nation mostly among the younger populations with pregnant women and children with underlying health problem hardest hit.  Much has been writen about both the safety and effacacy of the H1N1 Novel Flu vaccine that is yet to be widely available.  Public health officials are convinced that the science is correct that the vaccine is safe and effective.  In April the Health and Human Services Secretary declared a Public Health Emergency, she renewed that declaration on Octover 20.  Yesterday the President declared a National Emergency in order to put in place emergency authorities to allow State and Local Public Health Authorities to take extraordinary actions to seperate and treat H1N1 patients.  Additionally the declaration also triggers the provisions of the Stafford Act to allow State and Local Governments to become eligible for Federal assistance is needed.

So what to do? 

• CDC guidance for all is to get the generally available seasonal flu shot.  Pharmacies in the area are dispensing the seasonal flu shot.  The shot sold for 24.99 without any insurance.  With insurance the shot is available either free or at a reduced or discounted cost. 
•  Follow good general hygiene guidance.  Wash hands, if sick stay home, do not go out and expose others if you have a fever and the other symptons of the flu.   If you cough do so into the crook of you arm so as not to spread the germs to you hand or the air.  Use sanitary wipes that might be available at stores or other locations where people gather.
• Get the H1N1 shot when it becomes available.  It may take another month to get sufficient doses to cover all within the high priority populations.  If you get sick and are otherwise healthy you may only have a mild case, it is always best to get the protection and save lost time from work and ensure you would not be a carrier.  Make sure pregnant women, children, children care givers, and young adults get this shot as soon as it is available and in sufficient numbers to cover those populations in priority.
• The lowest priority are those over 65 who are otherwise healthy; however, if there is an underlying health condition you may be able to get the vaccination if your doctor prescribes.  At this time the primary source of the vaccine will be though doctors who have registered with the State to recieve the vaccine.  The vaccine is provided by the Federal Government at no cost; however there may be a charge for the doctor visit. 
• There is a back up plan for the State and Counties to provide the vaccination through the establishment of Points of Dispensing to be located throughout the County to provide the shot and the service free through the use of the Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.  This is dependent upon the availability of the vaccine and the need to supplement the doctors efforts to provide to their patients and well as to provide protection to the uninsured.
• If you get H1N1 before the shot is available go to your doctor and based upon the circumstances he may prescribe an anti viral to prevent or lessen the effects of the disease.  Anti virals are in realitive good supply through the local pharmacies with a doctors prescription. 

Despite the media attention and the tendency to become overly concered reasonable, prudent, and  measured actions to limit exposure can provide protection.