BOISE -- Swine flu seems to have beat a retreat in Idaho and around the country.

But don't let down your guard, health officials warn, another wave could be back.

Reported swine flu illnesses were widespread in 43 states last week, down from 46 the week before, however a few states including Hawaii and Maine have had increases of H1N1 cases.

Even though, during the week of Nov. 8-14, influenza activity decreased, overall it remained very high for this time of year.

In Idaho, state health officials say nearly 800 people have tested positive for the swine flu in the past three months, and about 30 of those cases were reported in the past week.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare also reported this
week that swine flu has contributed to 15 deaths.

Children under the age of 10 have accounted for more than a
quarter of the total number of hospitalizations related to the
swine flu in Idaho.

The state agency says this is highly unusual and young children
should be immunized to prevent illness.

But there's no doubt the swine is in decline.

"What we found in health district four and in Ada County in particular, is the reported cases have dropped off since the middle of October," said Bill Tramontin with the Central District Health Department.

In mid-October, Central District Health was reporting 30 to 40 confirmed cases of H1N1 a week. But only forty cases have been confirmed since November first -- a dramatic drop, says the health district.

Emergency rooms locally and around the country also report a drop in people coming in with flu-like symptoms.

But health officials say pandemics are unpredictable and even if swine flu has peaked, another wave could hit and nobody should let down their guard.
People in priority groups are still urged to receive vaccinations.

"No one should be complacent," said Tramontin. "That's why were continuing to offer points of dispensing clinics for the flu vaccine."

The Central District Health Department will have 1,600 doses of H1N1 swine flu vaccine available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at the former Comp USA store, 1195 N. Milwaukee St., Boise.

The health department plans to continue the clinics at the former Comp USA store on Mondays through Dec. 21.

Tramontin says the clinics are a good opportunity for children under age 9 to get the second dose of the vaccine required to get the full benefit of the immunizations. The doses must be separated by at least 28 days.


(The Associated Press contribued to this report.)