Swine flu national emergency

President Barack Obama declared the swine flu as a national emergency on Friday night and it was announced on Saturday. This declaration allows the Secretary of Health and Human services, Kathleen Sebelius, the authority to by-pass the federal rules for opening alternative care sites. These alternatives hospital care sites would be care centers at schools, community centers if the hospital seeks permission and other off-site locations.

The idea is to minimize the number of people infected. Hospitals are opening drive-thru and drive up facilities to keep flu patients out of the traditional emergency room. This change was a financial concern because typically if the treatment is done off-site it is not reimbursed under the federal guidelines. This declaration answers that financial issue of treatment off-site by allowing payment with authorization.

H1N1 vaccine clinics were open Saturday, October 24, 2009 for all high risk categories in several locations in Maricopa County. During, the clinics yesterday the supply of H1N1 vaccine was depleted. Maricopa Health Department does expect to receive additional H1N1 vaccine.

Until additional H1N1 vaccine is received here are some hints to reduce the spread of the flu at home; cough/sneeze in elbow, wash your hands, drink plenty of liquids and individuals in the high risk categories should consider the vaccine. Prevent the spread of the flu by teaching your children good hygiene, keep sick children home and consider the flu vaccine. These practices will help to keep our schools healthy.