**US President Barack Obama has declared swine flu a national emergency.**The White House said the president signed the proclamation concerning the 2009 H1N1 outbreak on Friday evening.
It increases the ability of treatment facilities to handle a surge in H1N1 patients by allowing the implementation of emergency plans.
Last week US officials said swine flu activity was widespread in more than 40 states. More that 1,000 deaths have been linked to the virus.
Vaccine warning
US officials said the president’s declaration was similar to ones issued before hurricanes make landfall.
It allows authorities to bypass certain federal requirements in order to deal more effectively with emergencies.
Last week, US officials warned there could be delays in the delivery of swine flu vaccines.
Anne Schuchat, of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said only 28-30 million doses would be available by the end of October, down from an earlier estimate of 40 million.
Ms Schuchat said swine flu activity was widespread, with hospitalisations and deaths continuing to increase.