The U.S. government has allocated $350 million to help the country prepare for the H1N1 flu virus as well as the seasonal flu. U.S. officials say a vaccine for the H1N1 flu could be available by October before the flu season starts in the northern hemisphere.The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 400 people have died from the H1N1 flu virus out of some 90,000 confirmed cases. In June the WHO declared this outbreak to be the first pandemic in more than 40 years. Recently, WHO Director General Margaret Chan predicted the worldwide spread of H1N1 or the swine flu is certain.
"Once a fully fit pandemic virus emerges, its further international spread is unstoppable," she said.
Currently, countries in the southern hemisphere are beginning their flu season. Chile, Argentina and Australia are seeing large numbers of cases. The U.S. government held a summit July 9 to prepare for the start of the flu season in the northern hemisphere.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said government agencies at every level are preparing a defense against the H1N1 flu as well as the seasonal flu. "We do not know exactly how the virus will present during the fall flu season, but our surveillance efforts have led scientists to believe the impact of the virus could worsen this fall or earlier," she noted.
good to know.
ReplyDelete