VERO BEACH — Indian River County has its second confirmed case of swine flu.
The county’s first case, confirmed in May, was in a 15-year-old boy visiting the area. In addition to the second confirmed case of the H1N1 virus, the Indian River County Health Department is reporting four probable cases and five suspect ones.
Five of the cases are family-linked, according to the health department. Two others are in children who attended camp outside of Indian River County.
Martin County has had five cases of swine flu, all in elementary or middle school students.
The H1N1 strain of the flu virus has proved to be less serious than originally thought, but health officials recommend people who become sick stay home for at least seven days, even if symptoms go away. Basic hygiene, such as regular hand-washing, is the best protection against the virus.
U.S. health officials expect to have a vaccine against the swine flu this fall, in addition to the regular flu vaccine.
