Although it is called the "swine" flu in the national media, the current strain of influenza that has taken the lives of roughly 151 people in Mexico, is a combination of swine, avian and human flues. It is viral in nature and infects the nose, throat and lungs. It can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia or dehydration and can make chronic problems, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease worse.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), one case of the illness was confirmed in Indiana Tuesday. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security announced the state's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) became active at that time.

It was reported that 91 cases in the North American continent have been confirmed. U.S. residents were urged on Monday to not travel to Mexico because Mexico City seems to be ground zero for the malady.

Given there is no preventative vaccine available, international, national, state and local officials recommend prevention. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday containment of the situation is now the goal, given the illness has spread to Europe and other areas of the globe. The focus should be to minimize the effects of the flu, which it considers to be very close to be determined a "pandemic."

However, ISDH warned it is too early to be classified as a pandemic. Pandemic is defined by the WHO as "the global outbreak of influenza."

Carroll County Health Department nurse Hope Kinzer said all citizens should take the normal precautions, as they would with any other form of flu, to avoid contracting it. She said the incubation period for the new strain seems to be between one to three days.

Information in a handbook provided by the county health department for individuals and families called, "How You Can Be Prepared for a Flu Pandemic," directs citizens to take universal precautions to prevent contracting the flu. Precautions include washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms of the current form of flu are similar to those of other strains of flu. They include a cough, fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose and muscle aches, lethargy, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

"Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze," Kinzer said. "Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than you hands if a tissue is not available."

If a person displays symptoms, it is recommended they remain at home to avoid contaminating others. State officials noted the current flu virus is only spread from human-tohuman and is highly contagious.

"We advise Hoosiers to stay calm and practice normal precautions to avoid influenza and other respiratory diseases," Indiana State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe M.D. said. "If you have milder symptoms of influenza, we advise you to stay home and contact your health care provider for advice. If symptoms become severe, such as high fever, trouble breathing, or inability to keep down fluids, seek medical care."

ISDH added parents should remember to not administer aspirin to young children with flu-like symptoms. She said parents should contact their health care provider for treatment advice.

In the event of a pandemic outbreak of the flu, Kinzer said the county will enact an emergency plan. Medication distribution "pods" will be established to allow infected individuals to obtain treatment drugs in a manner in which as to not come in contact with those in the community not infected.

"Emergency preparedness is essential," she said Tuesday.

Kinzer suggested families also prepare for a pandemic outbreak now by storing enough food (including pet food), one gallon of drinking water per family member and enough medical essentials and personal supplies and household goods for two weeks.

She said the health department will need volunteers to help establish distribution pods or locations and to transport medicines and other materials. To volunteer, contact Kinzer at the Carroll County Health Department at (765) 564-3420.

Kinzer said it is preferable to be proactive as a family and a community rather than reactive to what could become pandemic.

"People need to take responsibility to deal with this," she concluded. "This is a long-term situation. It is a marathon, not a sprint."