• Mounting concerns about swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, are prompting residents to ask about testing - but tests aren't needed except for patients with specific symptoms outlined by the National Centers for Disease Control, says Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant.

"Today as Georgia has its first confirmed H1N1 case, it is more important than ever to be aware of the news and to follow public health instructions," Grant said. "The CDC has set specific criteria for healthcare providers that must be met for Swine Flu tests to be administered. If a patient fails to meet these criteria, swabs should not be taken and may not be processed by the lab."

The positive case in Georgia is a 30-year-old woman from Kentucky who had visited Cancun, Mexico. She is hospitalized. Her family was tested for Swine Flu and came back negative.

The criteria:

• Must have a fever of 100 degrees F or higher, a cough and/or sore throat and other flu-like symptoms
• Must live in an area with a confirmed case of Swine Flu or have visited an area with a confirmed case within the past seven days or be in close contact (such as a family member) of someone with a confirmed case of Swine Flu

"We want to emphasize that the same recommendations we have been making: to stay home if you are sick; to keep sick children at home; to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water and to see your healthcare provider if you have severe symptoms," Grant said.

 "Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs that has had limited transmission to humans in the past. What concerns us about this particular swine flu - H1N1 - is that we are seeing person-to-person transmission," Grant said.

The virus is spread mainly through coughing and sneezing, she said. For now, there are no plans to call for schools to close or for people to avoid large gatherings, she said.