HONOLULU -- State officials this weekend have been constantly monitoring the situation surrounding the swine flu outbreak.

Adjutant Gen. Robert Lee said that even though the strain seems mild, officials are taking it seriously.

Lee said he briefed Gov. Linda Lingle on the swine flu outbreak after conferring with Homeland Security officials.

"In fact, I've had two nationwide conference calls with Homeland Security Assistant Secretary (Elaine) Luke, who just got reconfirmed, and Department of Homeland Security wanted to let all the states know what is happening. They know the major media outlets are providing the blow-by-blow of how many cases," Lee said.

Cases have now been reported across the mainland and in several other countries. While it is widespread, Lee said it is fairly mild.

"Although they reported increases within the United States, the severity has been mild. In fact, only one out of the 20 so far has been hospitalized, and all of the American patients have recovered,"

The emergency declaration today by President Barack Obama's administration released stockpiles of Tamiflu. There is no vaccine for swine flu, but Lee said Tamiflu is effective.

"Well, we're making sure that we are prepared. The other part is providing more of the facts and information to the public. I was reassured that existing pharmaceuticals in our inventory can handle influenza and do work on the virus. Oh, they do work. I had heard a report they don't have an inoculation for it. That's not what I've been getting from the Department of Homeland Security," Lee said.

So, officials are taking the flu outbreak seriously.

"In this case, we are trying to mitigate and reduce the impact to citizens in the United States," Lee said.

Health officials said people should take the standard precautions: Wash your hands, don't cough on people and stay home if you have a cold or flu.