Swine Flu Declared Public Health Hazard by US

The United States today declared a public health emergency in response to the outbreak of swine flu.  There have been a total of 20 confirmed cases in the United States and 8 in New York.  There is a seriously dearth of information about what is really going on and that is why the WHO has not raised it's alert level quite yet, though it seems they are on the brink of doing so, calling it a 'public health event of international concern'.  

However, just because it is labelled "emergency" doesn't mean you should start to lock the doors and take the shotgun you've been hiding in the basement for the last 20 years out.  Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary, said it was comparable to raising the threat level for a hurricane where funds are made available if the hurricane were to hit.  So when you wake up today and see the headlines, don't panic, just be alert and read this blog to be more prepared if the swine flu outbreak truly does become a pandemic.