Children account for 8 million of the infected, 36,000 of those hospitalized and 540 deaths.

H1N1 swine flu killed an estimated 3,900 Americans from April to October, including more than 500 children, U.S. health officials said on Thursday. ● More from: Reuters

A call for calm on the swine-flu outbreak. The national shortage is frustrating but more vaccine arrives each week. Patience and a proper sense of fairness should be the watch words for people waiting.

A call for calm as H1N1 flu vaccine is distributed

EXHALE, everybody. Swine flu is here in Washington, but only a small quantity of vaccine has landed. This is an obvious recipe for nervous, even selfish behavior.

Those seeking early-round vaccinations must take a deep breath and wait for fuller distribution. More shots and nasal spray arrive all the time. David Fleming, director of Seattle & King County Public Health, believes pharmacies may receive vaccine as early as next week. ● More from: Seattle Times Newspaper

Not enough vaccine in King County, 12,000 doses in Snohomish

It could be next year before King County has enough swine flu vaccine for everybody.

The county continues to ration doses to high risk groups. Health officer David Fleming says the amount of illness has now surpassed the level reached last spring and is still growing. ● More from: MyNorthwest.com

Obama’s action allows Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius “to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements” to help health care facilities enact emergency plans to deal with the pandemic.

Obama declares H1N1 emergency

President Obama has declared a national emergency to deal with the “rapid increase in illness” from the H1N1 influenza virus. ● More from: Obama declares H1N1 emergency – CNN.com