Nassau health officials confirmed the county?s first swine flu case Tuesday.

News 12 Long Island has confirmed the individual is a student at St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, where dozens of cases have been confirmed. The student, who is from Great Neck, has a mild form of the illness and is at home, officials say.

Health officials say there is an additional suspected case of swine flu in Nassau County and 10 ?cases of interest? in Suffolk. Humayun Chaudhry, the Suffolk health commissioner, says only the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has the ability to confirm swine flu. Samples for the 10 cases in Suffolk have been sent to Albany for initial testing, though Nassau Health Commissioner Maria Carney says a sample for the second suspected case in Nassau has not been tested because the person is already recovering.

CDC officials say those who are severely ill will have testing priority.

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi urges residents not to be scared. He says individuals should protect themselves and help stop the spread of swine flu by taking precautions.

Health officials recommend residents wash hands often, cover their noses and mouths when coughing, avoid contact with sick people and stay home if flu-like symptoms emerge.

CDCPandemicFlu.govWorld Health Organization NYS Swine Flu Hotline: 1-800-808-1987