Swine Flu Frequently Asked
Questions
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
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
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.
Will the
seasonal flu vaccine protect against swine flu?
Swine flu is a
specific type of flu (H1N1) which was not included in this year’s
seasonal flu vaccine. Therefore, the seasonal flu vaccine will not
provide protection against the current form of swine flu.
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 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.
Are there
medicines to treat swine flu?
Antiviral
medications can sometimes help lessen influenza symptoms, but
require a prescription. Most people do not need these antiviral
drugs to fully recover from the flu. However, persons at higher risk
for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness who
require hospitalization, might benefit from antiviral medications.
CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir
(Relenza) for the treatment 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. Antiviral drugs can make your illness
milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent
serious flu complications. In some instances, antivirals may also be
given to prevent illness. Ask your healthcare provider whether you
need antiviral medication.
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 and before eating.
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.
Should people
wear masks?
CDC has developed
interim guidance on the use of face masks and respirators. Detailed
information on the guidance can be found at the CDC website.
In areas with confirmed human cases
of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, the risk for infection
can be reduced through a combination of simple actions. No single
action will provide complete protection, but an approach combining
the following steps can help decrease the likelihood of
transmission. These actions include frequent handwashing, covering
coughs, and having ill persons stay home, except to seek medical
care, and minimize contact with others in the household. Additional
measures that can limit transmission of a new influenza strain
include voluntary home quarantine of members of households with
confirmed or probable swine influenza cases, reduction of
unnecessary social contacts, and avoidance whenever possible of
crowded settings.
When it is
absolutely necessary to have close contact with persons who might be
ill, the time spent in that setting should be as short as possible.
If used correctly, facemasks and respirators can help prevent some
exposures, but they should be used along with other preventive
measures, such as avoiding close contact and maintaining good hand
hygiene.
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.
Should I
restrict travel to locations where swine flu is present?
CDC has recommended that people avoid
non-essential travel to
If you have specific questions that have not been answered you can contact the ODH Swine Flu Hotline at 866-800-1404