Last Updated Jan 2013
Educate yourself about diseases and viruses to promote respiratory health. Find answers to these frequently asked questions on swine flu. Contribute in the prevention of this influenza.
Q: What do you mean by "swine flu"?
This type of influenza, which is caused by type A influenza viruses, is a respiratory disease of pigs. The epidemic of swine flu happens frequently in pigs. Normally, people do not get swine flu although human infection can happen and there are many cases today. Usually, this occurs when people are around pigs. It is also possible for swine flu viruses to spread from one person to another.
Q: In the U.S., are there human infections with swine flu?
The first few cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) were in California and Texas. This was sometime between March and April 2009. The local and state health agencies together with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are looking into this situation.
Q: Is the swine flu virus contagious?
According to CDC, this virus is transmissible from person to person. But, right now, it hasn't been determined how quickly the virus spreads.
Q: Is it swine flu? What are the symptoms of this virus?
Just like any regular human flu, the symptoms of swine flu are pretty much the same. This includes cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, headache, fatigue and chills. A few people have complained about diarrhea and vomiting. Previously, severe diseases like pneumonia and respiratory failure leading to death have been associated with swine flu infection in people. If the person already has chronic medical conditions, swine flu can make it worse.
Q: How bad is the swine flu infection?
The severity of swine flu in human can vary from mild to severe.
Q: How does swine flu spread?
A person can catch swine flu in two ways:
- By having contact with infected pigs or being in an environment contaminated with swine flu viruses.
- By having contact with someone who has swine flu. Through coughing or sneezing of infected people, the spread of swine flu is faster.
Q: What are the medications used to treat swine flu?
For the treatment or prevention of swine flu, CDC suggests the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir. These medicines may also prevent serious flu complications. Within 2 days of identifying the symptoms, taking antiviral drugs will work.
Q: How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
Infected people are already considered contagious as soon as they have the symptoms of swine flu and until 7 days following illness onset. Younger children may be contagious longer than that.
Q: How can I protect myself from getting sick?
There are vaccines available to protect against swine flu but there are many side effects. There are arguments questioning its safety on respiratory function and health. These simple actions can help prevent the germs to spread which causes respiratory illnesses like influenza:
- When you cough or sneeze, make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and throw it away immediately.
- Make it a habit to wash your hands every now and then with soap and water.
- CDC suggests you to stay at home when you get sick. Limit contact with others to keep them away from the virus.
- Germs spread by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid it.
Q: If I get sick, what should I do?
Stay at home and keep away from other people to avoid the virus to spread. If you experience any of these, ask for emergency medical care:
In children:
- Rapid or trouble breathing
- Skin color turns bluish
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not interacting or waking up
- Being moody about holding the child
- Improved symptoms but return with fever and terrible cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest or abdomen pain
- Confusion
- Persistent or severe vomiting
Q: By eating or preparing pork, can I get swine flu?
Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. No, you can't get infected by eating pork or pork products.
Be proactive and let others know about swine flu. Do everything you can to take good care of your respiratory health.
Resource:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
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