With several reported cases of H1N1 flu - also called swine flu - in surrounding counties, it's comforting to know that Macon County officials have been preparing for both the prevention and treatment of the virus for months.

Trousdale County, TN and Monroe County, KY each reported two confirmed cases of the rapidly spreading virus during the first week of August, and are preparing to battle the illness with education, prevention, and monitoring.

Valerie Hudson, director of the Monroe Couny Health Department announced the first laboratory confirmed case of H1N1 Inluenza.

"It is highly probable that H1N1 has been circulating here throughout the summer since it had been circulating throughout the rest of th estate and the nation. Hower, symptoms have likely been mild and those sick likely did not go to the doctor," Hudson said.

In Trousdale County, Director of Schools Clint Satterfield reported that there have been two students with confirmed cases of swine flu.

Officials in counties across the state and nation - including Macon - are meeting to learn who is most at risk, and what steps residents can take to help prevent or slow the spread of this contagious and sometimes serious strain of influenza.

Prevention, of course, is everyone's preferred method of dealing with the flu, and Macon County officials doing everything that the Center for Disease Control recommends, and extra.

Tara Wix, Director of School Health Services, has been monitoring the spread of H1N1 influenza since long before school started this year. She's posted an information sheet on the School Board's website, and letters have been sent home with every student recommending prevention procedures and sickness protocols.

Guidance counselors in all elementary schools have gone into every classroom to teach proper handwashing methods and other prevention practices, such as not sharing personal items.

"There have been several children in the county treated for flu this year, but no confirmed cases of H1N1," said Wix last week.

Parents are urged to keep their children home if they experience flu like symptoms such as fever over 100°, aches, vomiting or diarhea.

"Each parent knows their child," said Wix, "and whether a cough is likely to be caused by allergies or something more serious. WE DON'T WANT THEM TO SEND THEIR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF THEY ARE SICK."

In most cases, Wix said, a note from parents will be sufficient if a child is exhibiting flu-like symptoms. She urges parents to call their school health nurse with any questions or reports about their child's health.

"We don't want them to go to the doctor or get out, if they are sick," said Wix. "If they're very sick for more than a two or three days, however, parents are urged to call the school's health nurse or the child's doctor."

Parents are also urged to make child care plans NOW in case their children become ill in the future. Making plans now will help keep sick children out of school those first few days, and parents at work.

The H1N1 virus spreads just like seasonal flu and the common cold: person to person, either directly (coughing, sneezing, touching, sharing) or indirectly (lightswitches, telephones, desks, keyboards, toys, towels, doorknobs, faucets...)

Avoiding H1N1 flu is as simple as avoiding the common cold, through frequent and thorough handwashing, trying to avoid contact with sick people, and covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

When covering your sneeze or cough, doctors recommend using a tissue (then throw it away!) or the inside of your elbow, instead of your hands.

People who do get sick with swine flu can help others stay healthy by STAYING HOME. Sick people may infect others from one day before they become ill up to seven days after. The CDC urges folks to stay home for 24 hours after their fever is gone with no medication or fever reducers such as aspirin, aceteminophen, or ibuprofen.

Symptoms of swine flu are pretty much like any other flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Be prepared just in case you do get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. Keeping a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, juices and other liquids, and other items that might be helpful will help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

In most cases, the H1N1 flu will play itself out and you'll soon be back to school or work. But some people are at higher risk than others.

"Pregnant women are, without question, at highest risk," said Macon EMS Director Randall Kirby. "They will be in the first tier of people who may get H1N1 vaccines when they become available."

Infants, children, and young adults to age 24 also constitute a high risk, as do people with compromised immune systems and those with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, liver or renal problems, and heart disease. Those who care or live with babies less than six months old are also at risk, as are those who work in the health care field and at schools.

Those 60 and older are at lower risk than anyody for swine flu, according to the CDC. A lifetime of exposure to various strains of flu and taking vacines plays a role in this unusual statistic. Some people have even been vaccinated for swine flu, as there was an outbreak in 1976.

According to Shelly Walker, Department of Health spokesperson, there is no anticipated shortage of H1N1 vaccines, when they do indeed become available.

"We're anticipating that by mid-October, the vaccines will be available for the first tier of people, which would be those at highest risk," said Walker, urging people to get their seasonal flu vaccines as soon as possible.

Kirby reported that the first tier of those getting the H1N1 vaccines would include pregnant women and children under four, as well as emergency response, health care, law enforcement, and infrastructure (electric, water, phone, etc.) workers.

Much more information about the H1N1 influenza, its prevention and treatment can be found at HEALTH.STATE.TN.US, at the Center for Disease Control site at www.cdc/gov, or by googling H1N1.

Now, go wash your hands.