US swine flu deaths surpass 1,000

ATLANTA (AP) — Federal health officials say swine flu is more widespread now than it's ever been.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there as much illness now as the winter peak of regular flu seasons. CDC officials said Friday that swine flu has resulted in more than 1,000 deaths so far.

Public demand for the new swine flu vaccine has caused long lines and frustration in several parts of the country. But worries about flu has also prompted record interest in seasonal flu vaccine as well. About 60 million people have been vaccinated already — an unprecedented number for October. Most seasonal flu shots usually aren't given until later in the fall.

CDC officials say nearly 100 pediatric swine flu deaths have been reported.