Information on Swine Influenza
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.?
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. Cases were also
reported from Mexico
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 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 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 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
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.
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