BREVARD, N.C. -- The Transylvania County Department of Public Health said Thursday that it has confirmed two new cases of the H1N1 flu virus in the county.

The health department said that it received confirmation of the diagnosis on Wednesday night, bringing the total number of cases in the county to three.

Officials said that neither of the people who are sick have experienced severe symptoms. They said both are continuing to recover at home.

The health department said that protocol requires that a communicable disease investigation be conducted.

Officials urge everyone to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and to wash their hands often.