Certain physicians help state track flu

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Physicians throughout the state are on the lookout for the H1N1 virus -- or swine flu -- in their patients.

Dr. Jerrold Smith is a pediatrician on the east side of Indianapolis. He's also what the state calls a sentinel physician -- doctors throughout Indiana who report to the state when they see evidence of certain illnesses. Currently, they are keeping an especially watchful eye out for the H1N1 virus.

"Right now, the state board of health has asked us to do swabs of anyone who meets the criteria," said Dr. Smith.

Doctors use swabs with patients who show symptoms of the virus, which include fever, sore throat and a cough.

"Most respiratory virus is going to be propagating in your nose," said Smith. "And so that's a nasal swab, reasonably far back."

Doctors send the samples to the state lab in Indianapolis. The state then sends those samples to the CDC so it can determine whether or not they're H1N1.

Earlier this week, the state confirmed one case of the H1N1 virus in Indiana, a University of Notre Dame student who has recovered.

The state has not confirmed any more cases of the virus in Indiana yet.