H1N1 Flu fears prompt precautions

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Some of New Mexico's medical experts are warning the public about a possible resurgence of the H1N1 flu after attending a national summit on the virus.

New Mexico Secretary of Homeland Security and Emergency Management John Wheeler said the state is prepared for virus.

"I think we are. We certainly have plans that we have worked with and reviewed. You know the saying is that there was never a better exercise in the world than H1N1 than in the spring of 2009," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said the main part of the federal plan is a brand new flu vaccine. If you get flu shots this fall, you'll get three shots—one for the regular flu and two more to prevent the H1N1 strain.

The state plans to increase the number and location of flu shot clinics.

To help pay for it, the Federal Government is giving New Mexico around $2.2 million.

Earlier this year, massive panic ensued when the H1N1 virus spread rampantly throughout North America. Health officials said they fear the virus will emerge as a major threat in the fall.

"I think the message I would like to pass on to New Mexicans is the message the president left with us yesterday. We don't want to push the panic button but I think we would be remiss if we didn't take affirmative steps now while we still have time to make sure that we are preparing and are prepared," Wheeler said.

If there is a severe outbreak of the H1N1 flu in the fall, schools and hospitals will play an important role in controlling the situation.

The summit told states to create plans for closing schools and limiting exposure in public places.

The first wave of H1N1 vaccines are expected to be ready by the middle of October.