Wash those hands. The H1N1 swine flu outbreak is progressing at an overwhelming pace and the risks of exposure are starting to rise. Two weeks ago, President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency, yet the pace of vaccine distribution remains stagnant.

During a press conference, the White House told The Chicago Tribune that Obama was “frustrated” with the delays.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that the president is upset that thousands wait in line each day for a vaccine shot and, due to shortages, are turned away.

“The President is frustrated with ensuring that this vaccine is delivered on time, and won’t be satisfied until those that want to be vaccinated from H1N1 have the opportunity to do so,” Gibbs told The Chicago Tribune.

According to Politico.com, 1,000 people have died and the virus has hospitalized 20,000 people. The Center of Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) has warned people to take precautions during the fall season since they are more likely to get it.

CDC officials have also estimated that one in five children will show symptoms of the virus this month.

Federal officials had to cut down their estimate of how many H1N1 vaccines would be available from 40 million to 26 million doses available on October 30. The Health and Human Services Department had also predicted 20 million doses of vaccines would be produced each week. Their latest prediction is now just 10 million.

According to the Associated Press (AP), vaccine production is weeks behind and health officials blame pharmaceutical companies who produce both swine and other flu vaccines and the slow, antiquated process that relies on millions of chicken eggs.

“We’re in this race against the virus, and only Mother Nature knows how many cases are going to occur over the next six to 10 weeks,” Michael Osterholm, a vaccine expert at the University of Minnesota told the Associated Press.

As a result of the delays, clinics with vaccines have been swamped and many states that had promised vaccinations are still empty-handed.

Some schools have also decided to close their doors until things get better. According to MSNBC, education officials said that 198 schools in 15 states closed last Wednesday due to the 65,000 students who’ve caught the virus.

Many college classes, however, remain in session. Colleges nationally have created campaigns to keep their students aware and safe by distributing health tips on a regular basis and keeping sick students isolated while they wait for vaccines.

“We’re doing all we can do to keep students aware and proactive,” said Helen Rice, director of Student Health. “We can’t walk behind them with hand sanitizer all day but we can educate them, which we’re certainly trying to do.”

Rice said that Guilford has received 300 H1N1 nasal mist vaccines for healthy people who do not have asthma or certain allergies. She has already set up hand sanitizer stations around campus, updated information through The Buzz, and recommends that students look at the H1N1 protocol on the Guilford Web site.

Although swine flu has swept the nation, many students feel that the real problem is rooted in the media.

“I had Influenza A last year and it was much worse; I could barely walk,” said sophomore Sarah Skoke, who had swine flu earlier this year. “I think the media has made this into something bigger than it really is.”

Sophomore Ben Heidi said his mother had the virus and no one should believe the hype.

“The problem keeps getting bigger because the media is freaking everyone out,” said Heidi. “When my mom had it, I never felt that she was in danger and the worse thing to do in that situation is panic. People just need to relax. If you use certain precautions ahead of time like good hygiene and lying down when you feel sick, you’ll be fine.