Swine Flu Questions and Answers

    What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

    There is no vaccine available to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
    • Avoid close contact with sick people.
    • If you get sick with influenza, 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 this way.
    • Cough and sneeze into a tissue and throw it away promptly.  If there is no tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
    • Avoid shaking hands.  Do not kiss in greeting.

    Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
    No. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. 

    Will the seasonal flu shot protect me from swine flu virus?
    No. That vaccine is not protective against this new virus.

    What are the symptoms? 
    The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the regular influenza: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, sneezing and coughing. Some who have been infected with the swine flu also reported having a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

    What should I do if I get sick?
    If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, you may want to contact your regular health care provider. Most people who contract the flu recover without any treatment.  Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you have symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

    How long does it last?
    Most people recover without medical treatment within 5 to 7 days. In the US, as of now, all cases of swine flu have been relatively mild and have caused no deaths.

    How is it diagnosed?
    In order to confirm a diagnosis, a nasal swab should be collected within the first four to five days of illness. 

    How is it treated?
    Some doctors may prescribe oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection of swine influenza viruses. These drugs fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, these drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, these drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). These drugs are expected to be in short supply and will likely be prescribed only to the sickest patients.

    Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
    No. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe.

    When should I seek emergency medical care?

    In children, warning signs that require 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, warning signs that require 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

 

Advanced Precautionary
Hygiene Measures

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
  • If you cough, cough into your elbow, sleeve, or into tissues.  Wash your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  • Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • If you have the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Call your doctor.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with respiratory germs.
  • Do not share food and/or drinks.

Swine Flu Web Sites
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