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Swine Flu: Protecting Yourself and Your Family ou most certainly have heard recent news stories about an outbreak of Swine
Flu in Mexico, as well as the diagnosis of a small number of related cases in
the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Spain. While the news stories
can provide useful information, their sensationalist tone can often frighten the
listener and exacerbate concern. Following is the most recent information
provided by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on
the virus—what you need to know and what you can do to protect yourself.

WHAT IS SWINE FLU?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not HOW DOES SWINE FLU SPREAD?
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
ARE THERE HUMAN INFECTIONS WITH SWINE
FLU IN THE U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A viruses are spread mainly from person to Southern California and near San Antonio, cases of swine flu infection in humans and something with flu viruses on it and then cases have been reported internationally confirmed swine flu infections in the U.S. is HOW CAN SOMEONE WITH THE FLU INFECT
kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. CDC SOMEONE ELSE?
IS THIS SWINE FLU VIRUS CONTAGIOUS?
be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is at this time, it is not known how easily the WHAT SHOULD I DO TO KEEP FROM GETTING
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
hands. Get plenty of sleep, be physically SWINE FLU IN PEOPLE?
active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not to similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables,
doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination
from these common surfaces.
ARE THERE MEDICINES TO TREAT SWINE FLU?
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP FROM SPREADING THE VIRUS
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir THROUGH COUGHING OR SNEEZING?
for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with They may also prevent serious flu complications. For your hands, and then promptly clean your hands. Do so treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). WHAT IS THE BEST TECHNIQUE FOR WASHING MY HANDS TO
HOW LONG CAN AN INFECTED PERSON SPREAD SWINE FLU TO
AVOID GETTING THE FLU?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. People with swine influenza virus infection should be We recommend that when you wash your hands—with soap considered potentially contagious as long as they are and warm water—that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following illness When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based onset. Children, especially younger children, might disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You potentially be contagious for longer periods. can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need WHAT SURFACES ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE SOURCES OF
water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. CONTAMINATION?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SICK?
that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact from another person on a surface like a desk and then their health care provider, particularly if you are worried touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. HOW LONG CAN VIRUSES LIVE OUTSIDE THE BODY?
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours with other people as much as possible to keep from
or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and spreading your illness to others.
desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common HOW SERIOUS IS SWINE FLU INFECTION?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM GETTING SICK?
human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no Although there is currently no vaccine, there are everyday deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be steps you can take that can minimize your risk and serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year- old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with • Wash your hands often with soap and water, serious illness in several people and one death. especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based CAN I GET SWINE INFLUENZA FROM EATING OR PREPARING
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork • If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Source: http://hr.co.medina.oh.us/EAP/Newsletter/General%20Monthly/09%20General/09-05%20Swine%20Flu%20Factsheet.pdf