By KEITH UPCHURCH

kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612

DURHAM -- Despite a shortage of H1N1 flu shots now, eventually all who want a vaccine should be available to get one, according to Gayle Harris, director of the Durham County Health Department.

But Harris asks that residents be patient while those considered at high risk for the disease get their shots first.

"It's those populations that have shown that they really do get very, very ill if they get the virus,'' she said.

Harris said it's important to remember that "there will be vaccines available for everyone at some point, and to know that the vaccine is safe.''

"It's prepared like all other seasonal flu vaccine,'' she said.

"We ask that people recognize that the vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness. That is the number one tool that the public health department has.''

Harris said the H1N1 flu is ''very widespread'' in Durham, and she urged people to stay home if they show symptoms, ''because we want to limit transmission.''

''In most people,'' she said, ''the illness will only be mild and will last three to four days. And people can treat the symptoms and recover at home in most cases. People don't need a doctor's note as an excuse when they go back to work. The Centers for Disease Control has said they don't need that.''

"So we're encouraging people not to just show up at the doctor's office or the emergency department, because there are other people who may be compromised and they could get the flu from it. And so that's a way to limit transmission.''

However, she said, those with underlying medical conditions should contact their providers ''and discuss what needs to happen, rather than just showing up.''

Harris said symptoms of the H1N1 flu include a fewer of at least 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat, chills and body aches. About a quarter of the time, they will have nausea and vomiting with diarrhea.

High-risk people eligible to get the shots are pregnant women, caregivers and household contacts of infants under 6 months old, children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old, those 25 to 64 with medical conditions and health care and emergency medical workers.