PROVIDENCE, RI - In an effort to help Rhode Island prepare for the potential fall resurgence of H1N1 influenza (also known as "swine flu"), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Senate health committee, today led an H1N1 Preparedness Summit at Johnson & Wales University's Providence campus. Participants discussed the nation's and the state's readiness for the possibility of a serious outbreak in the months ahead and how families, schools, health care systems, businesses, and the government can prepare and effectively respond.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, there have been 199 confirmed cases of H1N1 virus infection throughout the state, causing 3 deaths. Nationally, the CDC believes over 1 million people have been stricken with novel H1N1 since April 2009.

"H1N1 has been compared to a gathering storm, and when students return to school in a few weeks that storm could hit hard and we need to be prepared. Viruses are so unpredictable it is hard to say what impact the second wave of H1N1 will have, but we do know that this pandemic poses serious health and economic challenges for us all," said Reed. "The goal is to ensure there is a coordinated response at every level and I hope today's meeting will help open up the channels of communication between all parties."

To help make certain the state is taking the necessary steps and precautions to combat another possible outbreak, Senator Reed brought federal health experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Office of Vaccines; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) together with local health officials, educators, and community and business leaders for a roundtable discussion on Rhode Island's and the nation's preparations to combat the spread of H1N1 influenza virus.

Johnson & Wales was hit by an outbreak of H1N1 last spring and was able to take steps to effectively safeguard the health and wellness of the students.

"Our state motto is ‘Hope.' And while we are all hoping for the best, we are preparing for the worst. Health experts are predicting a very difficult flu season," said Reed at the press conference following the summit. "We don't want people to be scared, we want them to be prepared. The best way to do that is to educate the public so that everyone can do their part to help prevent this flu from spreading. I encourage state and local leaders to keep the lines of communication open, here with schools, hospitals, and businesses, and with federal officials."

Last week Senator Reed announced that Rhode Island is eligible for over $1.2 million in federal funding for vaccination campaigns and to help ensure local hospitals are ready for future outbreaks.

"There is concern that Emergency Rooms could be flooded with people with flu like symptoms. So we are looking at ways to develop hotlines, web sites, or other alternatives that could help prevent ER overcrowding," noted Reed. "In addition, the federal government has distributed over 160,000 anti-viral doses -- drugs like Tamiflu -- to Rhode Island, and offered to subsidize 25% of every additional dose of antiviral the state purchases, up to 112,981 more."

Working together with doctors and scientists in the public and private sector, H1N1 vaccine trials are already underway and the federal government hopes to have a safe and effective H1N1 vaccine available for distribution this fall. The CDC is also working on guidelines for businesses to help them prepare and the Administration is developing new guidance for school closures.

"While the majority of people who have been infected with H1N1 have experienced relatively mild illness, in places like Argentina, where flu season has been more intense, economic activity took a hit because people were afraid to travel and didn't want to be in large, public places like theaters. We can't let that happen here," concluded Reed. "This kind of dialogue will help ensure that Rhode Island is prepared with a coordinated and effective response should another outbreak occur."