April 28th, 2009

A Philadelphia woman who got sick on a flight from Cancun to Philly is hospitalized with flu-like symptoms.  No word yet on whether or not she has the swine flu.

The State Dept. says people should avoid travel to Mexico, and is telling U.S. citizens living in Mexico to avoid hospitals and clinics.

The FDA has approved emergency guidelines for giving out antiviral drugs, allowing more of the general population to get them more easily.

Vaccine company Sanofi Pasteur is working on a swine flu vaccine.

 Sen. Specter says that the U.S. is unprepared, but he doesn’t want to sound like an alarmist; does anyway.

Those surgical masks that people are trying to buy up left and right don’t really protect you against the swine flu.

 Here are how areas around the state are preparing for the possible pandemic:

Erie County is currently flu-free, prepared, and giving out advice to its citizens.

York County is preparing, as is Allegheny County, Berks County, Adams County.

Washington County health officials aren’t concerned, but citizens are ordering face masks like crazy.

Lancaster County, which lacks a health department, is a bit more worried, but still flu-free.

Northampton County officials are saying it’s inevitable that the swine flu will reach the Lehigh Valley.

Midstate health officials are stressing the need to keep calm and prepare.

Northeastern PA and Philadelphia: also preparing.

Western PA already has its response plans all laid out.