Local residents may be considering two flu vaccines this fall instead of one.

With the spread of novel H1N1 virus, popularly called the “swine flu,” health officials are developing plans to stave off predicted sickness and death from the potential effects of infection. However, the regular flu is poised to make its traditional trek across the population as well.

Jennifer Greene, health educator for the Appalachian District Health Department, said while there have been few documented cases of H1N1, it’s not as important to worry about specific cases as it is to be aware that the flu is already here.

“We know it’s around, but we don’t have the numbers,” Greene said. “We’re not testing unless there are certain criteria, usually with hospitalization. Most cases are mild or moderate.”

Seven campers at Camp Broadstone in Valle Crucis were confirmed to have H1N1 in July, but they reportedly didn’t mingle with the at-large population of the county and have since recovered. A case was also recently confirmed in Ashe County.

In North Carolina, there have been nine total deaths and 175 hospitalizations for H1N1 influenza, including 19 since Aug. 19. Health officials quit reporting county-by-county cases since the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization considered them underestimated totals that might mask the true severity of the flu. Health officials also encourage the spread of good hygiene habits in reports of the flu.

“We are preparing to receive the H1N1 vaccine,” said Greene. “We’re not sure of the exact date or the exact amount.”

A local plan has been developed to deal with any crisis that might arise, and some predictions suggest a death toll nearly twice as high as the typical seasonal flu, which kills about 33,000 people in the U.S. each year. The WHO has issued a pandemic declaration, with more than 70 countries reporting infection.

“Now it’s time for us to wait for news about when the vaccine is going to come in,” Greene said. “We’re preparing, but also sharing the important message of prevention We need to remind people not to panic but to prepare. Wash hands frequently, cover the cough and sneeze, and if you are having flu-like symptoms, body aches, fever and nausea and you are concerned, you should contact your health-care provider. The main thing for people to know this is the flu and just like the seasonal flu we want people to make sure they are preparing for it.”

The Centers for Disease Control has recommended a priority group for the H1N1 vaccine, including pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months old, health-care and medical-care personnel, ages 6 months to 24 years, and older adults who have health disorders or chronic conditions.

Greene said some populations, particularly those with chronic health conditions, should consider both vaccines.

“We don’t expect any major shortages with the flu vaccine,” she said, with “early fall” as the best prediction for dose availability. Those taking the seasonal flu vaccine are recommended to get the shot or nasal spray before the start of the traditional flu season, which has no specific dates but typically is considered the holiday season when people began tend to travel and spend more time indoors.

A recent National Institutes of Health study suggested the H1N1 virus may spread more rapidly and cause more severe disease than the seasonal flu, gaining a competitive biological advantage. However, the study found no evidence that H1N1 would combine with seasonal viruses to form new, resistant viruses.

Since the novel 2009-H1N1 flu virus emerged in the United States during the third week of April, federal and state health officials have been developing plans for preparedness and response, including the four “pillars” of surveillance, mitigation, vaccine, and communications.

The federal government has developed www.flu.gov to provide information on H1N1, vaccines, prevention habits and health-care planning.