The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Don't panic about swine flu: that's the advice from local doctors.

Fact Finder learned that doctors, nurses and other staffers from the Northeast Missouri Health Council attended a webcast about swine flu over the lunch hour Thursday.

Federal health officials addressed audience questions and concerns about the virus.

Local doctors say those most at risk of getting swine flu are people who've been to the country of Mexico recently, been in contact with someone who has or been around someone who has a confirmed case.

"The greatest prevention for any type of infectious disease is to wash your hands, not cough on other people or surfaces, you know, be careful about that," said Margaret Wilson, D.O., Northeast Missouri Health Council Medical Director.

"I think if you have a high fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, occasionally they can have vomiting and diarrhea, then you should see your doctor for certain," said Joe Novinger, D.O., a family practice physician from Northeast Family Health.

The swine flu is being treated with the same anti-viral medications used to treat other types of influenza.

So far, no confirmed cases of the virus in Missouri, Iowa or Illinois, although there are a handful of suspected cases in those states.