Physicians are gearing up for what they say will be a busy season at the doctors office, as the swine flu continues spreading among school-aged children.
But as they have before, officials are asking people not to panic.
Local phsyicians met today at the UT Health Science Center to talk about what to expect this coming season.
But with no vaccine for the swine flu is obvious there are many questions that still havent been answered.
“Please get it i dont want you sittig here having to talk about the loss of you child.”
The cry of a mother, urging parents to make sure their kids have the flu shot.
Thats the message physicians of the ut heath science center hope parents will hear loud and clear.
It's laredo doctors are paying close attention to the swine flu and what they can expect in the coming season.
While some doctors say the h1n1 virus isn't as deadly as once thought.
“It’s hard to know whats gona happen with the second flu.”
No one is really sure how fast it could spread or how many it could kill.
“Nevertheless it can change relatively quickly its possible that it will become a bigger problem,” says Carlos Roberto Jaen, MD, of the UT Health Science Center.
“It’s on everybodys mind other than healthcare reform.”
An actual swine flu vaccine is still being developed and isnt expected to be approved until october.
And that's the best case scenario.
The vaccine still hasn't been deemed safe for the general public either.
“While no one knows for sure what will happen, the message here seems to be its better to be safe than sorry.”
“Common courtesys like sneezing in elbow.”
“The hypervigilance doesnt hurt its better to be overly cautious than to be sorry later on.”
Physicians say in the meantime, people should continue using common sense to at least prevent the spread of any virus.
“The vaccine is still in development so we dont know for sure yet but i think we need to be ready.”
Once the vaccine is approved, officials say the government will provide shots free of charge and will produce enough immunizations for 40 million people.