Baldwin County Flu Outbreak

Doctors across Baldwin County are treating dozens of flu cases this week including the dangerous H1N1 "swine flu" strain.

"There are a lot of outbreaks in different countries already and because of global travel, people must be bringing it in different areas," says Dr. Awadhesh Gupta who practices medicine in Foley.

Most of the patients are children. If a test looks positive, physicians are calling it swine flu.

"If you have Type A, there's a very likely chance that you have one of the new Novel H1N1 which is also called swine flu," says Gupta.

School officials are concerned. At least 25 flu cases have been reported at schools across Baldwin County this week, with at least one new case reported daily. Some of the cases are confirmed H1N1. By the end of the month, every school will have an active case.

School nurses are wearing protective masks and are giving children masks if they're sick. Nurses are also sending home health alerts and warnings to parents.

Tips To Avoid the flu:

-wash hands frequently

-avoid putting your hands in your mouth

-turn away to cough and use tissue when sneezing

-report any sickness immediately and visit a doctor