Since last weekend, swine flu has been officially designated a national emergency.  The administration is determined not to be caught  be surprise by a virus that’s potentially dangerous.

The wave of H1N1 is already building in Maine and much of the rest of the nation. For many of us, the outbreak still seems a bit distant despite the publicity encouraging all to get flu shots and practice  good hygiene. But the emergency declaration is a reminder that public health officials are worried that millions will eventually come down with swine flu.

The emergency declaration enables the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to allow health care facilities more flexibility to deal with a rush of patients, including setting up separate screening clinics.

Such measures may never be needed, but the administration is right to be cautious in preparing for a potentially severe flu season. Republican leaders deserve credit as well: They have made it clear that the campaign against H1N1 is a bipartisan cause.

Everything seems to be in place, except for one thing.  So far there is not enough vaccine  even for high-risk groups, and the Maine Center for Disease Control said last week that it will be December before enough vaccine is available for all.

According to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the  good news is that the vaccine works and there will eventually be enough for everyone.

In the  meantime, the challenge is to avoid getting sick, which means hand-washing and other good health habits will be especially important over  the next few weeks. And if illness strikes, we should be prepared to set aside our day-to-day responsibilities and keep the illness at home.