China: Swine Flu!

Those of us in the northern hemisphere are lucky that we had a few months warning about the H1N1 Swine flu. Because we were able to observe the southern hemisphere's battle with the deadly virus that took the world by surprise, various drug companies have hopefully produced an effective vaccine to help us ride out the second wave of the Swine flu pandemic.

Here is a bit of information about what is happening with Swine Flu in China now.

Chinese health authorities have approved a vaccine that they say prevents swine flu with a single dose.

Chinese vaccine maker Sinovac has been given the green light to mass produce the vaccine for the H1N1 flu strain. more

In early results from human tests on one of its swine flu vaccine candidates, Novartis AG said one shot of its vaccine provided enough protection against the virus, as set out by criteria by U.S. and European drug regulators. more

Worldwide the race is on for pharmaceutical firms to produce vaccines against the H1N1 virus before winter arrives in the northern hemisphere, when experts warn the flu could spread further.

Sinovac is among the first companies in the world to start mass producing the vaccine and the company's CEO Yin Weidong said current planned annual production could be increased if necessary.

"We have already expanded capacity to 30 million doses a year. Now we have entered a phase of increased production. But if the needs of the government or other countries increases, we will think of some other methods to increase production," he told reporters.

Sinovac Biotech Ltd said it was the first company worldwide to complete clinical trials for a H1N1 vaccine and expects to begin supplying doses to the Chinese government for priority cases this month.

Looks like China is paving the way for the Swine Flu Vaccine. Though the news might, and most likely will, change tomorrow.

We know all this talk of the H1N1 and pandemic is probably scary for most to hear, but relax!! Even though there is no certainty of the vaccine's effectiveness or supply there are still very simple things you can do to prevent yourself from catching Swine flu:

Wash your hands!



Stay home when you are sick!



Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm (NOT your hand)!



GET YOUR SEASONAL FLU SHOT!!



Please share with us your thoughts and fears about the H1N1 Swine Flu outbreak. What are you doing to ensure your safety and the safety of those you love?