Swine Flu is a virus that causes a respiratory illness in pigs. It doesn’t usually cause illness in humans, but there have been instances in the past in which humans have gotten Swine Flu. At this time, this strain of virus is being more carefully studied, and it has been determined to be a type A influenza virus strain that spreads from person to person, and can cause illness.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to seasonal flu and may include:
Fever (greater than 100 degrees F)
Sore throat
Cough
Stuffy nose
Chills
Headache and body aches
Fatigue
Possibly diarrhea and vomiting
More severe illness is possible, but has not been seen thus far in the US during this outbreak. As with the Seasonal Flu, Swine Flu can be more severe in people with chronic conditions.
When to See a Doctor:
- People who are experiencing symptoms as above and have visited affected areas, or who have been exposed to someone that may possibly have had Swine Flu during the 7 days prior to illness should see their doctor and be sure to tell the doctor about recent travel or exposure to others who may have the Swine Flu. You can check where affected areas are by visiting www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm. So far the affected areas are in these states and Mexico: California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio, and Texas. Also, please see the above website and press “swine flu and you” in the upper left corner. This section covers many of the questions you may have and what to do if you get sick.
What to Do to Stop Spread of This Flu:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizers also work.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue out, and wash hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes to stop the spread of germs from surfaces to the body.
- If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, avoid contact with others- stay home.
- Although this outbreak has not been called a pandemic, it is prudent at this time to prepare, in case of any changes in the situation. The Hillsborough website, www.hillsborough-nj.org has pandemic preparation information, under “departments”, then “health”.
- Take travel precautions. Anyone planning to travel should check out wwwn.cdc.gov/travel.
- Keep updated by checking www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm and go to the “what’s new” section in the upper left corner of the page.
- Realize that the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against all strains of the Swine Flu- and not against the one they believe is causing this outbreak.
What is Being Done?
- CDC has declared a public health emergency which has allowed antivirals to be distributed to states that have been affected, or will be affected. Two antivirals have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms.
- Physicians have been advised to ask patients who present flulike symptoms to question the patient about recent travel, and test for swine flu.
- Surveillance and study efforts have been stepped up.
- The US is conducting border checks, asking people about symptoms, and educating them.
Additional information: