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By this time next year Florida could see five million cases of the swine flu.

The estimate is from a doctor at the state health department and is based on patterns from past pandemics. The state has confirmed 3,000 cases so far. Susan Smith, a spokeswoman with the department of health, said the prediction of a five million Florida swine flu cases is just that, a prediction.

“It’s hard for us to predict how virulent swine flu is going to be in the fall, but we are certainly working with state and federal partners to prepare and we are continuing to educate Floridians on good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, covering cough and sneeze and keeping sick at home which is extremely important to slow the spread of the virus,” said Smith.

Swine flu has claimed the lives of 22 Floridians so far this year. 14 of those deaths occurred this month.