CDC confirms S.C. cases as swine flu. What now? (updated)

Updates at the bottom.

Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the suspected cases from Newberry were in fact swine flu.

Read more stories on this subject in our swine flu topic page.The State has a little bit more on the latest development.

So, what now?

Well, if you're afraid of getting ill make sure to take the standard precautions: Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based cleaners; Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; Stay home if you get sick.

But, what's the real risk here? No one's really sure yet, it depends on how much the virus spreads. But the CDC says that young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease may be at higher risk for complications from this infection.

The CDC also offers these tips if you do get ill.

In related news

The State reports that there's some concern of the virus spreading as thousands of immigrants prepare to work on the state's farms.

Also, The Post and Courier has an overview of the latest on the status of the virus in the area.

We'll be sure to keep you posted on the latest status of the virus in South Carolina.

Update April 30, late afternoon: The S.C. DHEC has moved the official count of those infected in the state to 13 -- all of those were from the Newberry incident.

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