News coverage of swine flu has dropped off since April, when its appearance alarmed public health officials, but the H1N1 virus continues to spread, in Maine and around the world. Health care workers, employers and individuals should remain on alert against this potential threat.

Unlike other sections of the U.S., the virus continues to spread in the Northeast. The number of cases in Maine increased this week to 44 residents and 9 visitors, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Massachusetts found flu on the rise as well, reporting 1,076 cases on June 10.

At this point is impossible to know whether this outbreak will decrease, remain the same, or grow, or whether the illness will grow more severe. Faced with such uncertainty, the agency is advising familiar strategies to minimize the impact of H1N1 in Maine.

These include hand-washing and isolating those with fever and respiratory systems. Businesses and organizations should make sure soap and hand sanitizers are available, discourage employees who are sick from coming to work, and make backup plans for dealing with staffing and supply problems.

Besides washing their hands and covering coughs and sneezes, individuals are advised to have a two-week supply of nonperishable foods, water and medical supplies on hand.

In a recent update, the Maine CDC said it is looking ahead to the possibility of a severe fall/winter flu season, including preparations for large-scale vaccinations. In the meantime, its goal is to delay the peak of the disease in Maine, “in order to ”˜buy time’ for the production and distribution of a vaccine against this new virus.”

The World Health Organization has declared H1N1 to be a worldwide pandemic of moderate severity. According to officials at the Centers of Disease Control, this declaration reflects the U.S. approach to the outbreak.

At a press conference last week, U.S. officials emphasized the uncertainty about the fall and winter flu season, and the possibility of dealing with both swine flu and seasonal flu at the same time.

Assistant Surgeon General Anne Schuchat said development of a swine flu vaccine could be a key element in prevention of its spread, and that the Department of Health and Human Services has budgeted nearly $1 billion toward vaccine manufacturing and development.

But she said no one can be certain, at this stage, whether an effective vaccine can be developed, or whether it can be manufactured in time. “And that’s why,” she said, “it’s so important for individuals and communities and governments to continue to prepare.”