It may be several weeks before the first H1N1 flu shots reach our area.

But we're hearing about more possible swine flu cases.

Absenteeism in Wood County schools has increased...and officials are awaiting confirmation of swine flu cases not only in the schools...but in the area as well.

Nationwide, there's a poll saying 70% of those responding either say they won't get the vaccine...or aren't sure if they will.

But the head of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department says preventing the illness should be more of a concern than whether the shots themselves are safe.

Dick Wittberg says they have been tested...and they shouldn't be any more of a problem than the regular flu shot that a lot of people are getting right now.

"The thing people have to realize, is that this vaccine is made the same way all vaccines are made," Wittberg says. "This is not some experimental drug, this is the same as any flu shot you would get."

Now, as for the availability of those shots...wittberg says that's still anyone's guess.

Current plans call for them to be distributed among the schools by the end of October...and, hopefully, to the general population by Thanksgiving.

Teresa Bayer, of Wood County Schools, says there has been an increase in flu-like symptoms in the first two days of this week...and absenteeism has increased to 7%, from a normal 4-5%.