No local cases have been reported as American public health officials and those from around the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza, called swine flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the outbreak Sunday, April 26.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs. Caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of illness among pigs, swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans, although outbreaks do occur. Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus can spread from human to human, causing illness. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products.

There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. According to the CDC, the seasonal influenza vaccine can help provide partial protection against one strain of swine flu, but not another.

Dr. James Terrian, medical director for the Luce, Mackinac, Alger, Schoolcraft Health Department, said he is not yet convinced the seasonal flu shot would make a difference.

"I would not tell people that their flu shot from this year would protect them," he said, "without some evidence."

Dr. Terrian wants to remind people that swine flu cases in the U.S. are characterized as mild influenza, although the reason for this compared to the severe cases in Mexico remains unknown at this time.

"It is way too early to panic here," he said.

Dr. Terrian also noted that the 2008-2009 flu season in the Upper Peninsula has not been bad, compared to some years.

As of Monday, April 27, 40 confirmed cases were reported in the U.S. in California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio, and Texas.

No cases have been reported in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, reported the Chippewa County Health Department, although one probable swine flu case has been reported in Livingston County in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).

"We are monitoring the probable case here in Michigan and we are informing all doctors on what to look for when they treat sick patients," said Dr. Greg Holzman, chief medical executive for MDCH. "This probable case is not a cause for alarm, but we do want people to be cautious. It is important that people cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze and it's important to wash your hands frequently to help prevent the spreading of germs. If people are sick, they need to stay home from work and school."

The following recommendations are given to prevent the spread of swine flu:

• Avoid contact with ill persons.

• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve if you do not have a tissue. Throw used tissues in a trash can.

• After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

• Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill. If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home.

• Seek medical care if you are severely ill or have trouble breathing.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.

• People experiencing severe symptoms including cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, chills, headaches, and body aches, with which diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes reported, should contact a physician.

For people entering the U.S. who are experiencing symptoms consistent with swine flu and have traveled to an affected area or have been exposed to someone possibly infected with swine flu during the last seven days, the CDC recommends the illnesses be reported to a health care provider immediately. Providers should be informed of any recent travel.

The CDC reports the symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu, and may include the following:

• Fever greater than 100°F • Sore throat • Cough • Stuffy nose • Chills • Headache and body aches

• Fatigue

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu, according to the CDC. Severe illness, including pneumonia and respiratory failure, and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu also may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

A doctor can prescribe antiviral medications for treatment of swine flu.

The outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected.