Friday, August 21, 2009

H1N1 spreads at rapid pace across Alabama

Posted:
Aug 21, 2009 11:29 AM EDT
Updated:
Aug 21, 2009 11:29 AM EDT
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - The H1N1 virus continues to spread at a rapid pace across the state of Alabama.

During a morning news conference, State Health Officer Don Williamson said the number of those infected is growing by the hour.

Out of the last 1000 flu cases they have tested, all but four of them have tested positive for the H1N1 virus.


Williamson said the state will no longer test all flu cases for the swine flu virus and adds that almost all of the people infected with the flu right now are infected with H1N1.

The state is urging students not to go to school if they exhibit fever, muscle aches and cough.

According to Williamson, the state is expected to be getting 600,000 doses of vaccine in October and 300,000 additional doses every two weeks.

Experts revealed this morning that two vaccines will be needed, one in the fall and another in January.

There is a major concern for women who are pregnant, children six months of age to 24 years of age and health care workers. Health care workers are also urged to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

Williamson said if someone comes down with flu like symptoms it should be assumed that it is the H1N1 virus.

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