Swine flu.

Given the current worldwide concern over a possible deadly pandemic, the words alone trigger reaction.

The world’s biggest public health story hit home Thursday when a patient at West Georgia Medical Center was confirmed as having the disease. It’s an understatement to say that’s cause for concern.

But it’s also no reason to panic. In fact, it’s important not to panic. Over-reaction can only create additional problems for health and public safety officials who already have plenty to do.

Health workers are treating the situation with the seriousness it deserves. As individuals and in groups, we should follow their advice: wash hands in hot water with soap or use hand sanitizer after going out in public. Cough into your arm. Instead of shaking hands, show respect by bowing slighting.

At this point, however, there is no recommendation to limit normal contacts.

The exception, of course, would be that anyone with flu-like symptoms - cough, fever, chills, body aches, breathing problems - should avoid contacts and see a doctor without delay. Prescription medication is available to lessen the effects and duration if used at the beginning of the bout of flu.

West Georgia Medical Center, in fact, might never have been called on to treat the current flu patient had she followed that advice. The Kentucky woman, a recent visitor to Mexico, apparently had felt ill for several days before driving to LaGrange to attend a wedding.

Dozens of people she came in contact with could have been spared potential exposure had she gotten treatment earlier in the course of the illness- and her own symptoms might have been less severe.

Our strong hope is for her full recovery. It’s encouraging that she has shown improvement and that, so far, there have been no new local cases. It’s too early to say for sure, but the contagious period from the LaGrange case is nearing an end. It’s possible that we will avoid further problems - and that the strain may not be as potent as has been feared.

West Georgia Health System, which has been a shining star throughout this challenging time, has put together information in question/answer format on the most common concerns regarding swine flu. We’ve posted the information on the special sections part of our web site (lagrangenews.com ). It’s also available it on the health system web site (wghs.org)

LaGrange is not where anyone would have expected to see the first Georgia case of swine flu, but it’s here. Well-trained, well-equipped professionals are dealing with it.

Let’s give them our thanks and support as they continue working to keep our community safe and healthy.