The H1N1 virus is here and it's hitting hard. Three local doctors tell me they believe they're seeing it in their offices. Here's what they're telling us:

Dr. Steven Reich is with Colorado Springs Health Partners on the southwest side of town. He says the cases he's seeing would be mild. So it's going to feel a lot like a cold.

Dr. Doug Clark with Mountain View Medical Group on the East Side of the Springs says you'll notice these symptoms: a sudden onset fever, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue. Dr. Clark says you should treat your symptoms with Advil, cough syrup, rest, fluids and staying home. You'll notice, these recommendations are things you can do at home. That's because, again, most of these cases are mild.

In the central part of the Springs, Dr. Tom Bartlett says most people don't need to seek care unless they are a high risk group. Here's how you know if you should go to the doctor: he says anyone under the age of 5 and over 65 would be considered high risk. Also, anyone with a chronic illness would be high risk as well.

To keep from spreading this virus if you think you might have it, whether you're high risk or not, the advice is going to sound familiar. Dr. Bartlett says use good hygiene. Wash your hands a lot and avoid contact with others.

Again, this virus is here and here to stay. So get familiar with these symptoms to keep from spreading it.