The World Health Organization is now calling the swine flu a pandemic ,setting the alert at phase 5 out of 6.

There are now 17 probable cases of the virus in South Carolina. All of them are in Newberry which is about 60 miles from North Augusta.

Wednesday, one of Georgia's top health officials said swine flu will "almost certainly" strike in the state, it's just a matter of time.

There are some early indications folks are getting prepared.

"We have had people come out, wanting to buy the N95 face mask the CDC recommends," says Jason Vanlandingham at Barney's Pharmacy.

Another top seller? Hand sanitizer. But, there hasn't been a run on Tamiflu yet.

"Really from the Pharmacists perspective, we haven't heard much about it. Haven't had many people concerned," said Vanlandingham.

"We've had more calls concering the flu, asking what it is, what are the chances of getting it?" said Dr. Jeffrey Broder.

He says he doesn't mind the patients calls.

"If you have fever, diarrhea, sore throat; call. There's no reason not to," he said.

And, he says it's important people take all the normal precautions, so they don't get the flu.

"Good handwashing, when you sneeze or cough, try to cover your mouth," he listed.

And how about those face masks?

"If you're really in a situation with the flu, there's a special fitted facemask," he said. "That facemask isn't going to stop the transmission of disease."

Dr. Broder said most face masks won't do a whole lot of good. But the CDC does say the N-95 respirators, with the adjustable nosepiece, might help if you must be in contact with someone who is infected.

Yet, doctors agree, there's no cause for panic. They say, the best way to fight the swine flu is through good hygiene.