While swine flu is dominating headlines, the disease still seems to be a long way from the Boone area.

On Monday, Appalachian District Health Department issued a public health advisory regarding the current swine flu cases in the United States.

As of Wednesday morning, the Centers for Disease Control reported 64 cases confirmed in the United States in California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio, and Texas.

According to the Watauga County Health Department, human infection with flu viruses from pigs, such as the swine flu, are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, but can also happen when a person comes in contact with the swine flu virus. This is thought to happen the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food and pork products.

Beth Fornadley, health educator at the Watauga County Health Department, said all local health departments are in contact with the state, and all have pandemic flu plans that have been recently reviewed. The state also has a surveillance program.

The most important strategies for prevention are covering nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and washing hands consistently.

“There are no confirmed cases in North Carolina at this time,” Fornadley said.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to seasonal flu including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, lack of energy, lack of appetite, and body aches. Some people have also reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The health department recommends these prevention strategies:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs spread that way.

Five people associated with Appalachian State University who recently returned from Mexico have been advised to contact Student Health Services on campus or the Appalachian District Health Department, if they begin exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

In addition, there are approximately 20 students from Appalachian who are studying in Central Mexico this semester.

For questions or concerns about swine flu, contact your healthcare provider or the health department at (828) 264-6635.