State Reports Three H1N1 Deaths; Vaccine Plentiful

Illinois health officials are reporting three new deaths and 67 new hospitalizations linked to the swine flu virus.

Friday's update brings total swine flu deaths in Illinois to 86. Nearly 2,700 people have been hospitalized with swine flu in the state since April.

Sickness from the virus has continued to ease its grip on the state. But health officials continue to urge vaccination and simple steps such as hand-washing and staying home when sick.

At least 60 million Americans have received the H1N1 vaccine, which is now plentiful. 

Roughly 136 million doses are currently available for states to order and should be easily accessible through doctor's offices, local health departments, community and school clinics as well as pharmacies and retail centers, Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, told CNN.

The Illinois Department of Public Health updates its figures weekly.

Deaths reported by the department are those with a lab-confirmed swine flu infection and an illness compatible with a diagnosis of flu.

The primary cause of death may be due to another condition, in some cases.

A study in an issue of the New England Journal of Medicine last month reported that if someone in your home has swine flu, your odds of catching it are about one in eight.

Municipal Health Resources: State, County Information
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