Swine Flu - Facts

The CDC has determined that this swine flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It can also include diarrhea and vomiting. 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.

The Swine Flu viruse is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the virus. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. 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.

To help curb the spread and help keep you from getting the virus it is most important to wash your hands. Plain soap and water is all you need, you should hum Yankee Doodle Dandee for the length of time to take to wash. 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.

If you do get sick, see your doctor. They may be able to prescribe an Antiviral drug. These 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. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

People with swine flu 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.

There are no vaccines 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.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

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
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

Myth - Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get the swine flu virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. This is a serious virus. One of the best ways to help curb the spread is to do the simplest thing - wash your hands. Not an opinion - this is useful information!