Swine Flu

What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza ( swine flu – an influenza type A H1N1) is a respiratory disease of pigs that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.  Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year.

Can Humans catch swine flu?
Swine flu viruses can infect humans. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs. But human to human contact is possible through close contact with an infected person.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza. These symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

People can not catch swine flu by eating pork.

How does Swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely when people are in close proximity to infected pigs. (Pig farms or exhibits at county fairs.) Human-to human transmission can occur through coughing or sneezing of the infected person. People may become infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
There is no vaccine to protect humans from the swine flu.
The seasonal influenza vaccine will not cover the swine flu influenza.

We are recommending these precautionary measures:

  • 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. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you 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 that way.

For more information on swine flu www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu.