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Swine Flu VermontAs part of that effort, state health officials issued guidance and information to all doctors and hospitals in Vermont."There have been several confirmed cases in surrounding states, so it's something we take very seriously," Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas said. Eight cases of swine flu have been confirmed in New York City and officials are investigating possible cases in Massachusetts. Vermont state health officials have been briefed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "(There are) no cases yet in Vermont, but we want to be sure that all health professionals continue to monitor the situation," Douglas said. Vermont is prepared to receive national shipments of Tamiflu, a medication to combat flu symptoms. The state already has a stockpile of Tamiflu on hand. But U.S. health officials said they are "very pessimistic" that the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the unique swine flu infecting people in the United States, Mexico and other countries. A CDC official said Sunday afternoon that tests of the seasonal vaccine and the new virus show no cross-reaction, suggesting that people who got the vaccine have no added protection against the new bug. It's possible that people who have been exposed to flu viruses every year -- especially older people, with a greater exposure history -- may have some natural immunity, the CDC official said in a call with reporters. |






