Swine Flu: Questions and Answers April 28, 2009
This information was complied from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site
What is the swine flu?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses
that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections
can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to have spread from person to person.
What is the current situation regarding swine flu infections in the U.S.?
As of 1 p.m. on April 28, there were 64 cases of swine influenza indentified in California, Texas,
New York City, Kansas and Ohio. Only two people in the U.S. have been hospitalized and both
have recovered. These cases may be linked to an outbreak of influenza-like-illness in Mexico.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from
human to human. However at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between
people.
What are the signs and symptoms of the swine flu in people?
The symptoms of the swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and
include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have
reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu. In the past, severe illness
(pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in
people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical
conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that
seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or
sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching
something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop, and up
to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu
to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with
influenza-like symptoms, including those listed above, you may want to see your doctor. Your
doctor will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. You should definitely
seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in
the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion or severe or persistent vomiting. If you are
sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from
spreading your illness to others.
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. There have been
deaths in Mexico attributed to swine flu.
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There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. However, there are flu
antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. There are everyday actions that can
help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Here are good health habits that can help stop germs:
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick,
keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are
sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. It may
prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand
cleaner. The CDC recommends that you wash your hands with
soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and
water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes
or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most
supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until
the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol
in it kills the germs on your hands.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or
mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink
plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
For more information on swine flu, visit the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention web site at www.cdc.gov.