Gov. Bev Perdue said it's time to get serious about preparing for both types of flu this season.

Perdue and almost all of her cabinet members got their seasonal flu shot Tuesday.

"Nobody actually should be scared about H1N1 [swine flu] or the seasonal flu, but we all must be vigilant and we all must be prepared."

The governor is urging people to get vaccinated right away for regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 when it become vaccine is available sometime in October. State health officials said initial efforts will focus on at risk populations like pregnant women, the elderly and those under 24 years old who may be in school settings.

NC State has already seen about 200 cases of flu like symptoms this semester and is plastering awareness posters in dorms and buses. Student Brian Downing said he has changed his habits to try and stay healthy.

"I have been washing my hands a little more often than I usually do," Downing said.

Vice Chancellor of Environmental Health and Public Safety, David Rainer, said the school has been communicating heavily with students and parents about both types of the flu this season.

"Not only do we encourage students to get vaccinated but we encourage employees to get vaccinated," Rainer said.

In K-12 public schools, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. June Atkinson said schools have also been communicating with parents and students and encouraging good hygiene like washing hands. She also said the state is preparing to dispense vaccines in schools if it becomes necessary.

Perdue said there's no written policy yet on schools closing for H1N1 and that type of decision is usually made on a local level, but she said she is ready on a state level.

"I will be very eager and ready to come in and declare an emergency."

The state estimates there will be about a million doses in North Carolina's first batch of the H1N1 vaccine, but it's still not clear if two shots, 21 days apart, will be required. That means the first batch would only cover about 500,000 North Carolinians.

Deputy Director of State Public Health Steve Cline said more doses will be produced every week.

"We're expecting 20 million produced every week as a nation after that, so we'll continue getting after October," Cline said.

He said the once the H1N1 vaccine is available you can find out where to get it through your local health department. The state also has a website called www.flu.nc.gov for more information on seasonal flu and H1N1.

State officials also suggested reviewing your employer's policy on sick leave for the flu this season as well as your child's school so you can think ahead about how you would respond to a flu illness in your family.