Help protect yourself from the threat of swine flu. Take a look at our frequently asked questions.
What is the swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses. There are regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not usually get swine flu but they can. Swine flu viruses can spread from person to person but transmission has been limited in the past to no more than three people.
Is swine flu contagious?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that this swine flu virus (H1N1) is contagious and spreading from human to human.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting has also been associated with swine flu. Like the regular flu, swine flu may cause underlying chronic medical conditions to worsen.
How does swine flu spread?
This swine flu virus is thought to spread the same way regular human flu spreads – through droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. People are infectious one day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after they become sick. Younger children may be contagious for longer. Sometimes, people can become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The virus can live for two hours or longer on doorknobs, desks and other surfaces.
Swine flu is not spread by contact with pork, nor by eating pork or pork products.
What do I do if I feel sick?
If you feel sick with flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider. He or she will determine if you need to be tested and/or treated for the flu.
When should I seek emergency treatment? Seek emergency treatment if you experience any of the following warning signs:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizzinessConfusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting The warning signs for children include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or interacting with others
• Irritable to the point of not wanting to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worsened cough
• Fever with a rash.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. The CDC recommends oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) to treat these swine flu viruses. These are antiviral prescription medications in pill, liquid or inhaler form that fight the flu by keeping the flu viruses from reproducing in your body. The medicines work best if started within two days of the onset of symptoms.
What is the best way to prevent the spread of swine flu?
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent against swine flu. The best protection is to wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Wash them for 15-20 seconds. Alcohol-based cleansers like Purell® are also effective.
Other steps include:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
