The number of positive cases of H1N1 have increased to seven confirmed cases in Boone County as of August 5, according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

Known as the “Swine Flu,” the H1N1 virus has been positively identified in 333 people in West Virginia.

Of these 333, the Centers for Disease Control says that 294 are in-state residents who were tested in West Virginia. The remaining 39 cases are out-of-state residents who tested positive for the virus at a West Virginia health clinic or hospital.

To date, officials say that 21 of the cases have required hospitalization, though no deaths tied to the virus have been reported.

“We haven’t had a case since the beginning of last month. Now, that’s reported cases that have been tested,” says Boone County Health Department Administrator Julie Miller.

“These are just known cases, so there are likely more cases out there that we don’t know about. Still, our numbers are low compared to other counties,” Miller said.

“I’m sure there are people out there who have the flu and they’re staying at home and dealing with it like they do any other flu,” she said.

Right now, Miller says, the Boone County Health Department, along with public health departments nationwide, are beginning to prepare for the H1N1 vaccine.

“The vaccine is set to be delivered sometime in the Fall. We’re not certain when and we still have to figure out how to distribute it to the high risk population,” she said.

Those at higher risk are children.

“Historically, looking at the flu, the second round of flu came when children started school,” she said.

When asked if she planned on vaccinating children at their schools, Miller said, “We haven’t talked to the school system yet, but that is what is being encouraged.”

“We’ll need help and will call on our volunteers,” she said.