Swine Flu Virus Outbreak FAQ's Brought To You By The CDC

What is swine flu virus?

The swine flu (swine influenza, H1N1) is a respiratory disease commonly found in pigs. It is caused by the type A influenza virus and it not normally contracted by humans.

Are there people in the U.S. that are infected with the swine flu?

In march the Mexican official began seeing large outbreaks of the swine flu virus among Mexican citizens. Since then the virus has spread and there have been roughly 100 confirmed cases in the United States. The swine flu outbreak has spread to 11 states as of today and it is expected to continue to spread to the rest of the states fairly quickly.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

Although not normally contagious from human-to-human this particular form the the swine flu virus seems to be highly contagious.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu?

The swine flu is similar to the regular flu in regards to symptoms. These include a cough, sore throat, fever, chills, and fatigue. More severe symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and even pneumonia or respiratory failure.

How does swine flu spread?

Information on the spreading of the swine flu is very limited at this time but it is believed to spread in a similar fashion as the regular human flu. The best way to avoid spreading it for people to wash their hands often and over their mouths and noses when sneezing/coughing.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infection can occur as early as 1 day before symptoms begin to show up and for as long as 7 days after symptoms have showed up.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

The best thing you can do is wash your hands often, avoid large crowds, get enough sleep, eat right, and manage your stress levels.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Currently oseltamivir (tamiflu) and zanamivir (relenza) have proven to be effected in treating the swine flu outbreak.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

Generally viruses can live for somewhere around 2 hours after they have been spread to non-living objects like desks and doors.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
You can limit your risk for contracting the swine flu by washing your hands often, avoiding large crowds, using alcohol based hand sanitizers, and avoiding contact with infected people.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you do become infected with the Swine flu you should be sure to cover your nose and mouth whenever you sneeze. It is also highly recommend that you do not leave our home expect for to seek medical attention..

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

The best thing you can do is wash with soap and hot water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. You need to be sure to wash your hands for at least 30 seconds too.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you begin to experience any flu like symptoms you may have the swine flu and it would be in your best interests to contact a local health care provider. In this case you need to be tested for the swine flu and keep yourself isolated from other people.

Emergency swine flu warning signs for children include:

• Fast breathing
  
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up
  
• The child is so irritable that he/she child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever
  
• Fever with a rash

Emergency swine flu warning signs for adults include:

• Difficulty breathing
  
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Vomiting

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

Swine flu is not spread by food and you cannot get it by eating pork.