To Your Health...

It may be the last thing you want to think about in summer... but flu season persists.

Local doctors are reporting new cases of the H1N1 (swine flu) each day. In fact, as of July 14, there were 250 confirmed cases of swine flu in Nebraska.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Marla Augustine says she expects that number to increase each week. In fact the NDHHS has a Web site that shows the latest numbers on a county-by-county basis.

If you would like, you could also subscribe to get an update on the swine flu situation in Nebraska. Look for the "Hot Topics" headline and scroll down to H1N1 section and click on "subscribe."

Common sense hygiene is key to helping prevent the spread of this virus right now: things like good hand washing, coughing into your sleeve, staying away from people who are ill, etc.

My kids think I have a germ phobia but I use the anti-bacterial hand wipes on grocery carts. The wipes and gels are a good substitute when you're unable to wash your hands!

Family practitioner Dr. Elvira Rios, of Omaha, says, "People traveling has also contributed to the increase in swine flu cases locally."

She says she just had a case last week and asked that the entire family stay at home for two weeks.

Dr. Rios says, "It's difficult for people to understand the need for a quarantine," but until a vaccine is available, she advises her patients to stay put."

She also says this coming fall, adults should expect two flu vaccines. One, for the seasonal flu -- the other for the H1N1 virus. At this time, it's not known whether there will be a swine flu vaccine for children.

Dr. Rios also says now is the time to build up our immune systems with vitamin C, exercise and healthy eating.