MARIETTA - Three cases of the H1N1 swine flu virus have been confirmed in Cobb County Schools, but officials with the Cobb and Douglas Public Health said, "We are not releasing specific school information."

School Board Chairman Dr. John Abraham said, "The bottom line is if you're sick, stay home."

"I think parents and teachers need to be very aware of the possible epidemic and take the proper precautions as mandated by the health department and Centers for Disease Control," Abraham said.

Last Friday, health officials reported that a "significant" number of students were sent home from Lindley Sixth Grade Academy in Mableton with flu-like symptoms. Superintendent Fred Sanderson said at the time that there was "no confirmation of H1N1."

Officials with Cobb & Douglas Public Health insist that there is no need to panic.

"We are working closely with State Public Health officials, Cobb & Douglas county school districts and the Centers for Disease Control to monitor H1N1 Flu conditions and make decisions in the best interest of this community," said Dr. Jack Kennedy, District Health Director for Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

Not every potential case will be tested.

"Because our research has clearly indicated that H1N1, as well as seasonal flu, is already in the community, we are no longer testing every case specifically for H1N1," said Jennifer Munoz, an epidemiologist with Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

"Because we don't know what the future holds in terms of H1N1, we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," said Pam Blackwell, director of the center for emergency preparedness and response.

According to Blackwell, the steps they are taking include joining with community partners and practicing scenarios, revising pandemic flu plans to cover any gaps that may have been discovered since onset of H1N1, and preparing with local hospitals to help with mass patient care, should it become necessary.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health advise that the best protection is to follow the recommended guidelines for reducing the spread of germs to prevent illness, to take care of yourself and stay away from others if you do get sick.

Influenza, including H1N1 flu, is a respiratory disease that spreads from person to person. The main symptoms are fever, cough and sore throat - typical flu-like symptoms. If you or a member of your family show these symptoms, contact your health care provider for evaluation. You can help prevent the spread of the disease by following healthy practices, such as:

* Staying home from school or work if ill. (Students and staff will remain at home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.)

* Avoiding close contact with those who are ill.

* Washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers often.

* Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

* Practicing good health habits, i.e., getting plenty of sleep, physical activity, fluids, nutritious eating and managing stress.

* Get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.