Arizona Swine Flu Cases "Widespread;" Department of Health Services Orders 60,000 doses of H1N1 Vaccines
The Arizona Department of Health Services today ordered 60,000 doses of swine flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It's a good thing, too, according to DHS spokesperson Laura Oxley, because Arizona H1N1 outbreaks are "widespread" -- the most serious CDC classification. This means more than half the counties in the state have reported swine flu cases.
Since April, 1,935 Arizonans have been infected by swine flu, and 27 have died, according to DHS statistics released earlier today."The only flu we're seeing in this state is the 2009 H1N1 influenza," says Oxley. "In the past, having the influenza in September was unheard of."
But don't go lining up for the vaccine yet. Unless you in the "most at risk" category, chances are you won't get vaccine this time around.
The first doses are reserved for Arizonans most vulnerable to the virus: pregnant women, families with children under 6 months old and people with "chronic underlying medical conditions" (asthma, diabetes, cerebrial palsey, to name a few).
So (for now, at least) the best way the average Jane can avoid getting swine flu is pretty simple: Wash your hands.
The best way to keep it from spreading?
"The most important thing -- sick people should stay home!" Oxley says.
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