Swine flu (H1N1) antiviral medications to arrive in Washington

OLYMPIA  Truckloads of medication and other medical supplies have started to arrive in our state as a precautionary measure in case they're needed to help treat people with swine flu. All supplies are expected to arrive over the next several days.

These supplies are part of the federal government's Strategic National Stockpile. This program was established to help states in any emergency  disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or bioterrorism. Supplies have been requested by all 50 states to respond to the swine flu outbreak.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is doing an extraordinary job of responding to our state and working with our public health officials, said Gov. Chris Gregoire. In receiving these additional courses of medication, we are prepared to treat this illness, as needed.

The state is receiving enough antiviral medication  Tamiflu and Relenza to treat about 230,000 people. These medications must be prescribed by a health care provider.

We're working hard to track and respond to this new flu strain, and we've asked for these supplies so we're ready if we need them, said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. It's important to know that these antivirals will be used to fill prescriptions to treat people who are sick only if commercial supplies run out.

The CDC plans to send testing materials to the state laboratory in the next several days. These materials will allow workers to test for the new swine flu strain.

It's important for people who are sick with flu-like symptoms to stay home or go to a health care provider if they become seriously ill. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu symptoms: fever, muscle aches, cough, and sometimes trouble breathing.

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