SWINE FLU FAQs

What is the 2009 “swine flu” virus?

The 2009 flu outbreak in humans that is widely known as “swine flu”
is a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. Thus, as of April
30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the virus is
referred to as Influenza A (H1N1) to avoid confusion. The new flu is
not only due to swine influenza virus but also of other strains. The An electron micrograph of the
origin of this new strain is unknown. It passes with apparent ease virus
from human to human.

Is this Influenza Type A (H1N1) virus contagious?

CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has determined that this influenza A (H1N1) virus is con-
tagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how
easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of Influenza Type A

(H1N1) or “Swine Flu”?
Symptoms of the virus are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body
aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associ-
ated with swine flu. Those symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and this means
that a person and their doctor can’t know, just based on the symptoms, if one has the H1N1
virus. A lab test needs to be performed to tell whether it’s H1N1 flu or some other condition.

How does the virus spread?

The new flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. One could pick
up germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they
recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering
their germs for your own infection. That’s why it is important to make hand-
washing a habit, even when one is not ill. Infected people can start spread-
ing flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days
after getting sick, according to the CDC.
The Influenza Type A (H1N1) flu virus can become airborne if an infected
person coughs or sneezes without covering the nose and mouth, sending A lot of diseases are prevented
by proper washing of hands
germs into the air.
 Can I get Influenza Type A (H1N1) virus
from eating or preparing pork?
No. The Influenza Type A (H1N1) viruses are not spread by food. One
cannot get it from eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork prod-
ucts. Cooking pork products at internal temperature of 160˚F/70˚C kills
The virus is eliminated
the swine flu influenza virus. It is always recommended to follow proper
if the meat product is
cooked at 160˚F/70˚C food hygiene and wash hands with soap after handling raw food.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of select anti-viral drugs for the treat-
ment and/or prevention of the infection. Antiviral drugs are prescrip-
tion medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu
by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in a body. If one gets sick,
antiviral drugs can make an illness milder and make the person feel
better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For Always ask your physician
treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick for the the proper medica-
(within 2 days of symptoms). tions.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Sources: www.cdc.gov / www.who.int / www.webmd.com / www.medline.com / www.wikipedia.org

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the new flu. There are everyday ac-
tions 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. Alcohol-
based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and
limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If I think I have swine flu, what should I do? When

should I see my doctor?

If one has flu symptoms, please stay home, and when one coughs or sneezes, cover the
mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands. That
will help prevent flu from spreading.

If one has flu symptoms, and have recently been to a high-risk area like Mexico, CDC officials
recommend seeing a doctor. If one has flu symptoms but hasn’t been in a high-risk area, one
has the option to schedule a visit with the doctor.