Though it has faded from the headlines in the past two weeks, local health officials say the H1N1 flu continues to spread throughout the state, with 52 new cases confirmed on Thursday.

That brings the state total to 247 confirmed cases, and of those, 16 have required hospitalization. One young man died, though health officials said he had other health problems at the time he acquired the flu.

"There is evidence of ongoing transmission of this virus in Utah, and it is occurring at a time of year when we would not expect to see active transmission of influenza virus," said state epidemiologist Dr. Robert Rolfs. "We want to encourage the public to continue to take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and limit the spread of disease."

Frequent hand-washing, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and blowing your nose into a tissue and disposing of it properly are vital to avoid contracting the illness. Those who become ill with flu-like symptoms are urged to stay home from work or school and other group activities.

Symptoms of the virus are similar to the seasonal flu: fever of 101 or higher, headaches, body aches, extreme fatigue and possible nausea and vomiting. While most patients recover without complications, some become seriously ill, including those with other health problems and pregnant women. Health officials urge physicians who see patients with these symptoms and who are more at risk to consider treating them with antiviral medications.

The most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released on Monday, reported nearly 8,000 probable and confirmed cases nationwide, with 11 deaths. For updated local information, see the Utah Department of Health's Web site at www.health.utah.gov/h1n1.

E-MAIL: carrie@desnews.com