What is swine flu?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes
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 spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited
and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first
reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, TX. Other U. S. States have reported cases of swine flu
infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed
swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and
local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that his 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 swine flu in people?
The symptoms of 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 an vomiting
associated with 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 the 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.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork
products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 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 to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be
physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces
that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with
these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight
against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make
your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For
treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are
symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might
potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his
or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs
can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and
then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs,
and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common
surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help
prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to
protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after
you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand
cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact
with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover
your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting
sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then,
clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-
based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you
wash 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.
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 fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want
to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care
provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
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.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January
2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu
infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin
was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in
Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people
and one death.
For more information or updates, check the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
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