Officials with Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center said Wednesday that four samples of possible swine flu have been sent to the University Hygienic Lab in Iowa City for testing.

The tests come from four individuals who have met the criteria for the swine flu though no case of the flu had been verified in the area as of Wednesday afternoon. Results of the tests usually take between 24 and 48 hours.

Pat Thompson, public health nurse at MMSC Home Care Plus, said they have pandemic preparations in place should the swine flu spread to the area.

"We do have plans in case we have to give large amounts of medication out and educate people," she said.

Thompson said some of the most important ways to keep the spread of the flu from developing is washing your hands, covering a cough or sneeze and staying home if you are sick.

Criteria for the swine flu includes a fever of more than 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat, and the person must have traveled to an area where there are confirmed cases or has been in contact with someone who has. Those who meet these criteria are encouraged to call their doctor and not go to public places.

"Individuals in our community have the biggest control over this situation if they follow those guidelines," said Tina Coleman, director of MMSC Home Care Plus and Public Health.

Coleman said there are "a lot of worried people" contacting the hospital and she wanted to let people know the testing of the four samples does not mean there is a confirmed case.

"We don't want to create panic," she said.

Thompson noted if the tests were to come back positive for swine flu they would do an investigation to see who else has been in contact with them and recommend they stay home.

Liz Zuercher, public relations director with MMSC, said constant updates on the flu will be posted on the hospital Web site at www.everydaychampions.org.

"We want to keep people as informed as possible," Zuercher said.

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Contact Andrew Potter at 641-753-6611 or apotter@timesrepublican.com