HONOLULU -- The Hawaii Health Department Monday asked doctors statewide to be on the lookout for patients with swine flu. But no cases local cases have been reported so far.

Officials advise avoiding the swine flu by washing hands often, staying away from sick people and if you have the flu cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough.

At a news conference in the governor's office the state epidemiologist delivered positive news.

"Hawaii, as yet, still has not identified any reported cases of the swine flu infection," said Dr. Sarah Park.

But that could be only temporary. Privately, several health care providers have told KITV they expect swine flu to reach Hawaii in a few days, not weeks.

"We pretty much, in my shop, we're acting like that … and that's why we're working so hard to ensure our surveillance is in tact -- that it's working above 150 percent," Park said.

"People should not be alarmed by this flu outbreak, but they should exercise concern," said Gov. Linda Lingle.

The state is increasing its health surveillance at airports. Since 2005, the state has asked international flight crews to report cases of sick passengers for testing.

"We have then sent a medical crew to evaluate that person and take swabs for flu testing," Park said.

But since Friday, the state asked crews on domestic flights to be on alert as well at Honolulu International Airport.

They have partial health surveillance on the Big Island and are still working to set that up at Maui and Kauai airports.

State health officials said they want people to prepare for the possible need to close schools if there's a swine flu outbreak.

"I would put to the parents of Hawaii to think about now: What will happen if we do have cases here and we have to close a school? What are your plans now? Are you prepared? This is the time for all of us to get our house in order," said Park.