This morning, the number of confirmed cases of swine flu stands at 91, according to the CDC. And while officially, Missouri and Illinois have not confirmed any cases of the H1N1 virus, there are suspected cases in both the Kansas City and Chicago areas.

Yesterday, the World Health Organization raised its Pandemic Alert Level to a 5 (on a scale of 6). Essentially, that means that the threat of a pandemic is imminent. But at this point, the situation is still classified as an outbreak. But the WHO is urging all countries to activate their pandemic preparedness plans.

While the world governments work to control this virus on a large-scale, you can do your part by working on a personal level. Here are three things you can do:

1. Know your emergency plans for home, work, and school. If you don't have a home plan, create one. Talk with your family about what you will do if someone gets sick and needs care. Ask questions like, "Are we ready if we are unable to leave the house for a week or more if the entire family becomes ill?"

2. Take normal, flu-like precautions. It seems simple, but the basics really work: Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough, and if you feel sick -- call the doctor and don't go to work or school.

3. Stay informed. Keep track of the latest news from sources like the CDC and the WHO. Other news sources are good too - I happen to like the section that USA Today has created, with reader questions and interactive maps. In case you didn't know, the CDC is even creating some Youtube videos on their channel. Here's one on recognizing the symptoms of swine flu:

What questions do you have? We'll do our best to answer them here on the blog. Just leave them in the comments section below.