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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 itís 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.
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
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.
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
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
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
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.
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
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
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.