By Angela Hatton
Hopkinsville, KY – Area health department officials say the region is so far free of swine flu. Pennyrile District Health Department Nursing Director Angie Dooms says residents should still take precautions to avoid passing germs. Officials say flu vaccines are not effective against the virus and no effective vaccines have been developed. Dooms says the department is staying in touch with doctors and the state to keep up on any new developments. Both Tennessee and Illinois have not reported any swine flu outbreaks, but officials are monitoring the situation in both states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, coughing, and lack of appetite. If you are exhibiting flu signs and have been to Mexico recently or have been close to someone who has been to Mexico recently, consult your doctor. The United States has declared a public health emergency to deal with the swine flu cases.