With schools opening, Florida health officials predict a spike in swine flu cases: As schools open, health officials predict a jump in swine flu cases. Don't panic, they say, but be ready.

Byline: Bob LaMendola

Aug. 17--Every summer, Floridians get familiar advice: Be alert, but don't panic. Prepare, but don't obsess. This year, however, they're not talking just about hurricanes. They're referring to swine flu in schools. The new form of H1N1 flu has primarily infected children and young adults, leading health officials to predict a renewed wave of cases after students return to the confines of classes this month.

Doctors watching the winter flu season in the Southern Hemisphere said the virus has indeed become the dominant flu strain, overtaking more common seasonal flu viruses, as many had feared. But it remains a fairly mild infection that healthy people can fight off in …