ALABAMA/FLORIDA - Dozens of doses of the swine flu vaccine should begin arriving in Alabama by the end of this week.

State Health Officer Don Williamson says Alabama is seeing a sharp increase in flu-like illnesses.

Williamson says 18% of emergency room patients are reporting flu-like symptoms.

5% of school kids are missing class because of the flu.

Williamson says Alabama should have a full supply of the vaccine by the end of October, while health officials in Florida say the vaccine should arrive in early to mid-October.

The nation reacts as the swine flu spreads throughout the United States. Keep up to date on the latest information and what you need to do to keep your family safe.