H1N1 flu in the US state of Illinois declined with only two new deaths from the virus in the last week, according to an official report issued on Thursday.

Thursday's weekly update by the Illinois Department of Public Health also includes 41 new hospitalizations related to H1N1 flu. Last week, in comparison, state officials were reporting two new deaths and 99 new hospitalizations.

However, the department warned though H1N1 flu activity is decreasing in the state, residents still should get vaccinated.

Official sources said that the state director of public health, Dr. Damon Arnold was vaccinated on Wednesday for swine flu. Arnold says swine flu is still circulating and holiday parties and family get-togethers are a good opportunity for the flu to spread.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2009)