Public health officials in Stanislaus and Merced counties are closely monitoring the situation with swine flu, and are urging residents to follow good hygiene practices to protect against potential infection.

There have been no confirmed cases in either county but human infections with swine flu have been detected internationally and in the United States, including California.

Symptoms are similar to those of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Fever and body ache are clearly more prominent than with a common cold.

“The swine flu now being found in the U.S. looks and feels a lot like the seasonal flu,” commented Dr. Timothy Livermore, Merced County Public Health Officer. “If you have seasonal flu symptoms like high fever, sore throat, coughing, congestion and nausea, you should first call your usual health care provider. It is important that you only go to the emergency room for a serious or emergency medical situation.”

Public health officials recommend the following precautions:

• Those over 50 or with chronic medical conditions are urged to get a pneumococcal vaccine since most of the serious complications of influenza are related to pneumonia.

• Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with the flu, stay home and limit contact with others. It is also important that parents keep sick children at home and do not send them to school or day care.

Currently, there is no vaccine available against swine flu. The current seasonal flu shot will not be effective toward this swine flu. Officials will continue to monitor the situation.

Members of the public can call the Swine Flu Hot Line, 558-8872, for more pre-recorded information in English and Spanish.