Swine Influenza Fact Sheet
April 30, 2009
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of 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. The current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreading from human to human.
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 also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this flu 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. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose or eyes. 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. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What is the best technique for washing hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. When using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
CDC recommends prescription antiviral drugs 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).
What should I do if I get sick?
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 cough and sneeze into the inner aspect of your bent elbow. Wash your hands often.
If you develop fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health care provider for information or instructions. Call your provider by phone. Do not go to your doctor’s office or emergency room before obtaining instructions.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of 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. The current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and spreading from human to human.
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 also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this flu 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. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose or eyes. 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. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What is the best technique for washing hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. When using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
CDC recommends prescription antiviral drugs 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).
What should I do if I get sick?
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 cough and sneeze into the inner aspect of your bent elbow. Wash your hands often.
If you develop fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health care provider for information or instructions. Call your provider by phone. Do not go to your doctor’s office or emergency room before obtaining instructions.