Author: From: childrensnational.org
childrensnational.org
What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by an influenza (flu) virus. Swine flu viruses may circulate among pigs throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months, similar to outbreaks in humans.
Can people catch swine flu?
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect people. However, infections in people have occurred. To date the common factor among people infected is travel to Mexico, or proximity to someone who has recently been in Mexico.
What about the current swine flu outbreak?
The number of reported cases is evolving quickly. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC website:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
or view the live feed from the CDC below.
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 flu and include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle aches . Some people with swine flu also have reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
According to the CDC, eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills all bacteria and viruses.
How does swine flu spread?
Although it is uncommon, flu viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs most likely occurs when people are in close contact with infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This occurs in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the swine flu virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can the spread of flu be prevented?
The best way to address any infectious disease is through prevention. Flu viruses can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact (touching a contaminated surface and then touching your own eyes or nose). The best way to prevent the spread of any kind of flu is to clean your hands with soap and hot water or with waterless hand gel if you are in contact with someone who is sneezing or coughing. If you are sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth with a tissue, and throw the tissue away. If you cover your mouth with your hands, be sure to clean your hands.
How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?
To diagnose swine flu, a respiratory sample taken by a swab should be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness. This is when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus. Some people, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. To definitively identify the swine flu virus, the sample must be sent to the CDC for laboratory testing.
What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
There is no vaccine for people specifically for the swine flu; the only vaccines available are for seasonal, or human flu, which are not protective for the swine flu.
At this time, CDC recommends the use of prescription medicines oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment of infection with swine flu viruses.
What is Children’s National doing about the swine flu situation?
Children’s National is monitoring reports and updates regarding outbreaks of swine flu and we are monitoring communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the District of Columbia Department of Health. At this time, it appears there are growing numbers of cases in the United States. There are no reports of swine flu outbreak in our region, but Children’s National has the systems in place to respond appropriately if required.
What should I do if my child has symptoms of flu?
Contact your family doctor or pediatrician if your child has flu symptoms, such as a fever with cough, chills, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What is the best way to prevent exposure to the flu?
Most flu viruses can be transmitted through person-to-person contact. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.
- If you do not have a tissue available, it is best to sneeze or cough into your elbow, shoulder, or sleeve, rather than into your hands, to avoid spreading germs to others (this is particularly important to teach children, who rarely carry tissues).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Keep yourself and your baby away from people who are sick, as much as you can.
- If you get sick, it is best to stay home from work or school. Do not go near other people so you don't make them sick too.
- Do not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
Additional Information:
For the latest information about swine flu, visit the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/