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Swine Flu Questions and Answers
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by
type
A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs.
People
do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
Most
commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs
but
it's possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
Cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been
confirmed in the United States. CDC and local and state health agencies
are
working
together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from
human
to human. However, at this time, it 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 and 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 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.
How do you catch swine flu?
Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:
. Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with
swine
flu viruses.
. Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of
swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same
way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly
person-to-person
through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir
(Relenza)
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 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.
. 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.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread
this way.
What should I do if I get sick?
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:
list of 7 items
. 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
list end
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention
include:
list of 5 items
. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
. Sudden dizziness
. Confusion
. Severe or persistent vomiting
list end
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.
