Swine flu

Louisiana Office of Public Health
How do you catch swine flu?
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways: Phone: 1-800-256-2748
Through contact with infected pigs or environments Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human- to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is www.infectiousdisease.dhh.louisiana.gov
thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for What is swine flu?
the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection considered potentially contagious as long as they are with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Cases were onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially Is this swine flu virus contagious?
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread known how easily the virus spreads between people. of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore
after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and you stay home from work or school and limit contact with respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. How serious is swine flu infection?
What should I do if I get sick?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough • Fever with a rash In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Severe or persistent vomiting

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot
get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating
properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

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