With several confirmed cases of H1N1 in surrounding counties, the Lincoln County Health Department is urging local residents to begin taking precautions against the flu now.

"H1N1, also known as the Swine Flu, is a respiratory virus that first appeared in humans earlier in the year," according to Amy Jenkins, facility administrator for the health department.

"The disease is transmitted the same way seasonal flu spreads — usually through sneezing, coughing or touching something that is contaminated with the virus and then putting your hands on your nose, eyes or mouth."

The symptoms of H1N1 are: a fever higher than 100 degrees, a cough, a sore throat, a runny nose, body aches, chills, fatigue, a headache, and possible vomiting or diarrhea.

Children, teens, and pregnant women run the highest risk of contracting the disease.

"Currently, there is no vaccine available for H1N1, but one is in the process of being developed," said Jenkins. "However, until the vaccine becomes available, we need to take steps to prevent the spread of this illness."

The nurse went on to offer the following tips for preventing the transmission of H1N1 or any virus:

.. Do not send your child to school or daycare if he is running a fever. Keep children with flu-like symptoms at home.

.. A sick child should not return to school or daycare until his fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of Tylenol of other fever- reducing medications.

.. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using one of your sleeves works best. If you use a tissue, throw it away after one use. Teach your child to do the same.

.. Wash your hands often, especially after touching your nose, coughing or sneezing. Use alcoholbased hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

.. Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

.. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

.. Avoid giving your child aspirin or products that contain aspirin, since the drug has been linked to Reyes Syndrome.

.. Have your family — including children — vaccinated against the regular seasonal flu.

Anyone who develops a high fever lasting more than three days or has difficulty breathing should contact their physician immediately.

For more information about pandemic H1N1, contact the Lincoln County Health Department at 706- 359-3154 or visit the following websites: www.ecphd.com, www. cdc.gov or www.flu.gov.