International Swine Flu Conference Comes To DC

VIA WJLA:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season may bring, health experts are meeting on Wednesday to discuss preparations for a possible swine flu pandemic.

Health officials say the three-day International Swine Flu Conference in D.C. will update people on the spread of swine flu in this country.

This comes just days after health officials announced that the production of the vaccine will not be available as quickly as planned. Health officials predict that instead of the expected 120 million doses, just 45 million will be ready to dispense by October 15th. Consequently, some medical professionals admit to being a little nervous about the consequences of the delay.

“Because of this delay, it’s more likely this virus will cause more illness, more hospitalizations and even more deaths in this country than we had anticipated,” said Dr. William Schaffner, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “It makes us all a little nervous because we won’t have enough vaccine.”

During the conference, health officials will address similar issues and concerns, along with the current status of swine flu in this country and advances being made worldwide to combat the virus.

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