The Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory expects to receive swine flu test kits from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) early next week. This will allow the state health department to conduct confirmatory laboratory testing for swine flu. However, there must be five positive specimens in Oklahoma to validate the tests before the state no longer relies on CDC for confirmatory testing.

According to both Jackson County Memorial Hospital's infectious disease nurse and representatives from the Jackson County Health Department, there have been no case of swine flu A(H1N1), nor any suspect cases. As a matter of fact, there have been no cases of swine flu confirmed in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health, however, has announced that it has expanded the hours of operation for its swine flu toll-free hotline. The hotline will now be open from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 1-866-278-7134.

Many hotline callers have asked about medicines to treat swine flu. Two antiviral drugs are available by prescription, Tamiflu and Relenza.

The health department cannot diagnose, nor treat the flu, therefore anyone wanting Tamiflu or Relenza should consult their physician.

Although these drugsdf may make the illness milder and prevent serious flu complications, public health officials caution that persons should not use the drugs as a precaution or keep at home “just in case” they develop flu symptoms. The drugs should only be prescribed for those with life-threatening complications from the flu. Otherwise, overuse could result in limited supplies for those who need it most. In addition, overuse could lead to flu viruses becoming resistant to the drugs.

Some callers are also questioning the potential for school closures. Public health officials advise that school closures should not be considered until there are confirmed cases of swine influenza in the state. Faculty and students should continue to practice general health precautions and stay home if they are ill.

Officials with the Jackson County Health Department advise that all Oklahomans should be practicing the following recommendations to prevent the spread of flu:

· Wash hands often to protect yourself from germs.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs are often spread when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· If you are sick, stay home from work, school, and running errands. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

· Contact your physician if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Some antiviral drugs may be used to treat persons who become ill with swine influenza.

Health officials also suggest that in the event the swine influenza A (H1N1) outbreak becomes more serious, persons should start now to be prepared. Store a supply of food and water. Have two weeks of your regular prescription drugs at home. Keep health supplies on hand, including pain relievers and cold medicines.

Additional information on swine influenza is available by visiting the Oklahoma State Department of Health's Web site at www.health.ok.gov and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention swine flu Web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu