Swine flu vaccine could be months away

MOBILE, Ala. - As the concern about swine flu grows nationwide, health officials want you to know they are ready. David Mann with the Mobile County Health Department told FOX10 News, "We would like people to know and have confidence that plans are in place. Supplies are available should they become necessary to address the situation as best that can be planned for."

Mann said the anti-flu drug Tamiflu is not a cure for the flu but it might be effective against this new H1N1 virus, better known as the Swine flu.

"Should you start to experience symptoms, Tamiflu, when taken and prescribed by a doctor can reduce the length of time you will be sick and ease the severity of the symptoms," he said.

If the CDC starts supplying the Health Department with Tamiflu, Mann said it would be in response to a major spike in cases of influenza. Roughly 36,000 people die nationwide from the regular seasonal flu.

As of now, there has only been one reported swine flu death. Mann said, "The people most susceptible to flu whether it be H1N1 or regular seasonal flu are young people and people whose health maybe compromised."

Compared to the Swine flu, the symptoms of the regular seasonal flu are similar, and the precautions are the same. Officials are watching the spread of swine flu closely. They're concerned it may return when our normal flu season starts. There is no vaccine available to prevent swine flu and it could take months before one is developed.

Once again, officials said there is no shortage of anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu which is only available by prescription.