US President , Barrack Obama delared H1N1 (Swine Flu) a national emergency last Friday, October 23, and was made public last October 24, 2009.

 The Associated Press’ Headline (by Philip Elliott) : Obama declares swine flu a national emergency.

(US) Administration officials said the declaration was a pre-emptive move and was not in response to any single development.

The declaration, signed Friday night and announced Saturday, comes with the disease more prevalent than ever in the US and production delays undercutting the government’s initial, optimistic estimates that as many as 120 million doses of the vaccine could be available by mid-October

Health authorities say more than 1,000 people in the United States, including almost 100 children, have died from the flu, known as H1N1, and 46 states have widespread flu activity. So far only 11 million doses have gone out to heath departments, doctor’s offices and other providers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials.

Since the vaccine is available or will be available in the market soon, do we need to be vaccinated?This is the big question me and my wife is trying to answer since our 8-year old kid belongs to the “high risk” category.

And while looking for some answers I found this heart breaking video of a  young woman with a dream of becoming a football cheerleader who’s life was changed forever by a regualar Flu shot which are considered safe after years of testing. We know that chances of getting this kind of side effect from Swine Flu or regular flu shot is very rare, but is it worth the risk?

Other topics about H1N1:

Influenza A (H1N1) Facts

How Can I Protect Myself From H1N1?

How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

Can I travel?

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

photo source: myfoxdc.com