In an Associated Press release August 25, it was announced that the FDA has authorized emergency use of the swine flu test for United States troops overseas.  This test will be distributed by the Defense Department to its qualified labs that have the equipment and personnel to interpret test results.  This test has been released to the public since April.

Combat units in the Middle East and on Navy ships can expect to receive the tests in early September.  These tests will accelerate making the correct diagnosis, in order for our deployed troops to receive proper treatment.  The FDA says this authorization allows for use of unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products during a public health emergency.

Our troops have enough enemies to be concerned with, let alone this virus.  Hopefully, a vaccine will developed very soon that will protect our soldiers and sailors from this illness.