SAVANNAH — The Georgia Division of Public Health has confirmed additional cases of swine flu in the Coastal Health District.

The district is comprised of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties.

Four additional cases have been confirmed in Glynn County: a 36-year-old man; a 14-year-old boy; a 12-year-old boy; and an 18-year-old girl. Two cases have been confirmed in Camden County: a 4-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl.

This brings the total number of confirmed novel H1N1 cases for the Coastal Health District to eight.

The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are similar to that of seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with novel H1N1 flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Residents are encouraged to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of germs:

• Sneeze into your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.