As reported in this week's paper, health officials around the region are just going ahead and assuming that the flu outbreak we are currently experiencing is swine flu.

To that end, it probably can't be repeated enough to is to follow common sense precautions: wash your hands, stay home if you're sick and listen to your local health authorities.

School officials around the region are being particularly sensitive to students having flu symptoms and asking parents not to bring their children to school until 24 hour after a fever is gone.

It's just sound advice during these times and one that can help keep people healthier.