President Barack Obama, declared a national swine flu emergency, on Friday evening in the United States. Mr. Obama stated that the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic continues to evolve. Though reportedly hard to verify, it is thought that 20,000 people are hospitalized in the U. S.
There have been, as reported, 1,000 deaths linked to the virus. Almost 100 deaths have reportedly been children. The seasonal flu peak is usually between late November and early March. The emergency designation eases the implementation of emergency plans by treatment facilities. U. S. officials said last week, according to reports, that swine flu activity was widespread in 46 states. Health officials say the infections are now comparable, to peak flu season levels. This declaration, removes bureaucratic hurdles, allowing sick patients, to receive treatment more quickly and gives health-care providers, more flexibility in providing it. If you have a very high fever, cough and any of the other listed symptoms below, call your doctor, or get to the hospital. You should not go work or school. This is a very dangerous virus, and should be take very seriously. Children do not have strong immune systems to fight this virus and reportedly, it attacks their lungs. Older people with other illnesses should be careful as well. Be very vigilant.

Typical symptoms of the swine flu:
Sudden fever, sudden cough
Other:
Tiredness and chills
Headache, sore throat
Runny nose and sneezing
Stomach upset,loss of appetite,
diarrhaea
Aching muscles, limb and joint pain.
Source: UK NHS

Senate leaders are working to pull together all the committee bills, to bring a final health care reform bill, to the Senate floor for a vote. The public option is still thought to have a little life left, what form it will take is anyone's guess. Senator Harry Reid, is being pushed and pulled, by ads taken out, in his own state, asking him to include the option in the final bill.

The U.N. nuclear inspectors, are headed to Iran to visit their site.

Existing home sales in the U. S. were up 5.35 million, in September.

The DOW closed at 10,081 on Friday.

President Obama is planning to send some of the TARP money, to regional banks, to try to free up credit to small businesses. A 3% interest rate may be available, reportedly in some instances.

President Obama, is set to reportedly, increase the caps on small business loans.

The FDIC closed 7 more U. S. banks, bringing the total closings to 106. The most, reportedly, since the S & L crisis. Reportedly many more banks are weak.

Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke stated that the U.S. should reduce its
budget deficit, to combat global imbalance.

The Reverend Al Sharpton has threatened to file a lawsuit, against
Rush Limbaugh, over comments made in an Op-Ed piece, allegedly defaming
him.

The Europeans have reportedly discovered 32 new planets, outside the solar system.

The U. S. Federal government will reportedly, no longer prosecute medical marijuana users.

The Senate approved a bill to allow the prisoners in Guantanamo, to be brought to the U. S. for trial. Michigan will accept prisoners from the facility. Several Generals have voiced their approval to close the
facility.

A resolution to impeach Governor Sanford, of South Carolina is being prepared reportedly, for introduction and a possible vote.

The mother of the little Heene's family, balloon boy, reportedly told authorities that the whole thing was a hoax.

Garth Brooks came out of retirement, and reportedly sold out his Vegas concert.

There will be a runoff election in Afghanistan between President Karzai and Dr. Abdulla, on the 7th of November.

The state of Hawaii, cut 17 days off of its school year.

Austrian ski star Hermann Maier retired at 36 years of age.

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