Swine Flu in the U.S

AmeriCares is sending medical aid and infection control supplies to help combat Influenza A – commonly known as Swine Flu. Texas and California clinics, as well as AmeriCares own clinics in Connecticut, are receiving emergency aid deliveries including face masks, medicines and other vital supplies.

Some clinics report patients with flu symptoms. Other clinics are taking additional precaution as they are not far from Mexico where the outbreak has been severe. Health officials are concerned because recent flu vaccines will not protect patients from this outbreak.

Read Dr. Bia’s Q&A: What You Need to Know About the Swine Flu.

“AmeriCares is watching this Influenza A outbreak very carefully,” said Dr. Frank Bia, AmeriCares Medical Director and an expert in infectious diseases. “As Swine Flu infects more people, it can adapt and become more dangerous – like a hurricane picking up strength over warm water.”

Flu relief supplies are being sent to clinics that provide basic health care services to the uninsured and underinsured. As more Americans lose access to health care in these difficult economic times, these clinics fill an increasingly vital role in protecting individual and public health.

Help AmeriCares fight Influenza and other disease outbreaks. »