Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state public health department is scaling-back its warnings about Swine Flu, saying it now appears the new strain is probably no more dangerous than regular flu. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

The public health director for Oregon, Doctor Mel Kohn, is advising schools not to close -- even if there is a confirmed case among the student body.

Mel Kohn: “I would encourage schools that are closed now, in light of this new guidance, to reassess where they are, speak with their local health department and figure out whether it makes sense to reopen, or whether they should remain closed for a further period of time.”

Kohn won’t be holding any more daily briefings on Swine Flu. He says he’s relieved the disease doesn’t appear as serious as had first been feared. But, he warns, since it is a new strain more people are likely to suffer from it when flu season starts again in September.

Production schedules mean vaccine probably won’t be available until a few months after that.