With a potentially deadly swine-flu outbreak possible this autumn, President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged Americans to take steps to prevent infection. Speaking at the White House after being briefed on influenza preparations by his top health and homeland-security officials, the president said the government is preparing across all levels, but all Americans have a role to play in the response. “I don't want anybody to be alarmed, but I do want everyone to be prepared,” he said. Obama said there are basic precautions people can take to lower their risk of infection, like frequent hand-washing and staying home from work if they feel sick. “I know it sounds simple, but it's important and it works,” he said. Vaccine development is ongoing and is likely to be available by October. The president said the vaccine for the H1N1 virus would be voluntary but “strongly recommended.” Certain groups are more vulnerable to swine flu, including children younger than two years, pregnant women, health workers, and people with health problems such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. The global H1N1 pandemic first emerged in April, sickening more than 1 million Americans and killing about 500. More than 2,000 people have died worldwide. Health officials are preparing for a surge in cases this autumn, and one White House report from a panel of experts suggests up to half the U.S. population could catch swine flu during a pandemic.
