Doctors in Congress eye aid for flu

• By GERARD SHIELDS
• Advocate Washington bureau
• Published: Apr 30, 2009 - Page: 5A

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WASHINGTON — Louisiana’s three doctors in the U.S. Congress say they are closely monitoring the swine flu outbreak in the nation, acknowledging that fighting it may take more federal money.

The members were given a briefing Tuesday by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Earlier in the week, President Barack Obama said he will ask for $1.5 billion to help fight the outbreak.

U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said any growth of the disease in the country could result in the need for significant federal dollars.

“Everyone fears it will be like the epidemic of 1918, in which case there will be a tremendous strain on resources,” Cassidy said. “We have to see how rapidly this grows.”

One of Cassidy’s chief concerns is finding a vaccine that could be targeted to the disease. He said the production of such a vaccine could take up to a year.

“Being a doctor and having done flu work, I have more than a passing interest,” said Cassidy, a gastroenterologist.

Another concern, Cassidy said, is trying to reach out to people urging them to get a flu shot. In Louisiana, 40 percent of the population fails to get an annual flu shot, he said.

“Whatever the response is, you have to take that into consideration,” Cassidy said. “How do we improve that if we do get to an epidemic?”

U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette, agreed that handling the disease could require more federal dollars. Boustany, a retired cardiovascular surgeon, said the chief goal at this point should be prevention.

“Right now, the key is not to panic,” Boustany said. “If you have the symptoms, go to a doctor.”

U.S. Rep. John Fleming, R-Minden, said he thinks the country is in good shape to handle the strain. The primary care physician said that during the administration of President Bush, the nation stockpiled resources that could be used today.

Among the supplies created to fight bio-terrorism are 50,000 doses of anti-viral vaccines, Fleming said. Another $6 billion was dedicated to the Homeland Security Department, he said.

In the recent stimulus package, another $10 million was given to the National Institutes of Health, Fleming said.