Questions & Answers
Swine Influenza and You
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:
- 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.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- 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.
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:
- 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
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
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.
