Questions & Answers
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, Texas. 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 this swine influenza A (H1N1) 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 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 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 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
handwashing 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:
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 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:
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.
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.
Source: CDC http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm