Seven more probable cases of swine flu have been identified in King County, which brings the total number to 10, according to Public Health officials.

Three probable cases of swine influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, were identified in King County April 29 and seven more were identified this afternoon.

In Kirkland, city officials issued a health advisory and asked local residents to reacquaint themselves with common-sense flu precautions. Evergreen Hospital spokesperson Sherry Grindeland said their health care center in Kirkland had sent a “half-dozen” test samples to the CDC over the past week for verification of the swine flu.

“We’ve been meeting twice a day for this, we’re gearing up,” she said. “It may be a big one.”

Officials also say two cases are likely to be confirmed in Snohomish County and one case in Spokane County.

The three King County residents identified April 29 with probable swine flu include an 11-year-old Seattle boy, who Public Health officials say was hospitalized and is improving. Also, a 27-year-old Seattle man and a 33-year-old Seattle woman were not hospitalized and are improving.

The five new probable cases today include two children under five years of age; two children between 5-12 years, and a 22-year-old woman. In addition, two elementary school-aged children that are linked to a probable case were classified as suspect cases.

Laboratory samples have been sent to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Public Health is awaiting final confirmation.

“Now is not the time to panic, but to use every day common sense precautions, like washing your hands regularly, covering your cough, and staying home from school or work when you are sick,” said Board of Health Chair Julia Patterson.

The CDC has determined that the swine flu virus H1N1 is contagious and is spreading from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu include a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, coughing, joint aches, severe headache and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Now that swine flu is likely in King County, we expect to see more infections, but it’s too early to say how severe the illnesses will be,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We are working to provide needed information and assistance to these people and their families. We are also working with health care providers and community partners to prepare in the event that the situation becomes more serious.”

King County Executive Ron Sims said, “We’ve prepared for this day for the past four years, and now we must all do our part to reduce its spread. We encourage everyone to get prepared at home, find out about plans at your job, and take steps to protect yourself, your family and the community by staying home when you are sick, washing your hands often and covering your coughs and sneezes.”

Human cases of swine influenza virus infection also have been identified nationally and internationally.

When should you seek medical care?

Public Health urges the community to use the same judgment you would use during a typical flu season. Do not seek medical care if you are not ill or have mild symptoms for which you would not ordinarily seek medical care. If you have more severe symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or are feeling more seriously ill, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and if you need to be evaluated.

Public Health will continue to work with healthcare providers to test flu patients who develop severe illness or are associated with clusters, but does not currently recommend testing for all flu patients.

If the following flu-like symptoms are mild, medical attention is not typically required: runny nose or nasal stuffiness; low-grade fever for less than 3 days; mild headache; body aches and mild stomach upset.

What can I do now to get prepared?

This is an excellent time to get prepared at home and work for a possible influenza pandemic, say Public Health officials. See www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu

Everyday behaviors to stay healthy

o If you are sick, stay home from work or school.

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

o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

o To further prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

o Avoid close contact with sick people

What is swine flu?

“Swine flu” is an influenza A (H1N1) virus normally found in pigs. There are many such viruses and they rarely infect humans. The virus currently causing human illness is a new type of swine flu that has developed the ability to infect people and be transmitted from person to person.

Although this new virus is called “swine flu,” it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, or from eating pork products. Like other respiratory diseases, it is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch.

For more information and frequent updates: visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu or call the Public Health Hotline at 206-296-4949.