Swine flu hit the United States last month, causing a ripple of fear and forcing people to take precautions in their everyday lives to stay protected.

Probable cases of the flu were reported in Contra Costa County and actually shut down a local elementary school.

Because of recent reports of swine flu, many Cal High parents are worried about their students’ safety.

“My mom didn’t want me to go to school this week because of the swine flu,” junior Vivian Le said in late April. “She even started talking about how I should be home schooled the rest of the year.  She makes me wash my hands all the time.”

Five elementary schools in the county, including Coyote Creek Elementary in San Ramon, had to close because some students reportedly were infected with swine flu.

As of May 13, there have been 12 confirmed cases and 21 probable cases of swine flu in Contra Costa County.

There have been 5,469 probable and confirmed cases in the U.S, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

There is currently no vaccine for the swine flu, but the CDC is working on finding one.  It is not expected to be available for a few months.

The Contra Costa Public Health Services is maintaining investigative reports of flu-like cases and will continue to supply information on possible swine flu cases as they are recognized.

According to the CDC, the symptoms of swine flu are comparable to those of the common flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Although many people are concerned about their own health, U.S. officials have emphasized that public should not be afraid, because flu epidemics are normal each year.

Flu-related reasons are the cause of death for approximately 36,000 people every year in the U.S.

Health officials have said the swine flu has killed 20 people worldwide, and has affected thousands.

Swine flu is not spread through food or eating pork, but rather through contact with an infected person.

“My mom told me to wash my hands every five minutes,” said junior Melissa Altenberg. “ She lectures me everyday about not opening doors, but to use my elbows and that I shouldn’t turn on faucets with my hands.”

Swine flu has also affected the pork and travel industries as many people are afraid  to eat pork or travel.

To avoid contracting swine flu, the CDC  recommends people to wash their hands frequently, refrain from touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, and cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

The CDC also recommends eating healthy food, drinking a lot of water, getting the proper amount of sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding closeness with sick people, and staying home if feeling ill.

According to the Morning Report, President Barack Obama said, “We’ve got a significant public health challenge that requires immediate attention.”