MDPH Swine Flu Fact Sheet
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PUBLIC HEALTH
FACT SHEET |
Swine Flu
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health,
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What is swine influenza?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs
caused by a type of influenza virus. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in
pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do
happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around
pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from one person to
another. In
the
Swine flu causes symptoms very similar
to seasonal (or human) flu. The most common symptoms
of swine flu, like seasonal flu, are fever, cough, and sore throat and can
include body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have
diarrhea and vomiting. There have been some people with swine flu who have been
sicker and have even died.
Is swine flu treatable in people?
People sick with any type of flu should
make sure to drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash
hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. The
kinds of drugs used to treat seasonal flu, called antivirals, can also be used
to treat swine flu. There have been a few influenza viruses, including the most
recent swine flu, that are resistant to some, but not all, of these
drugs. Healthcare providers may recommend that people who are sick or
appear to be sick with swine flu receive an antiviral medication.
How would I know if I have swine flu?
If you have symptoms of influenza as
described above, and especially if you have recently traveled to an area where
there have been human cases of swine flu, contact your healthcare provider who
will decide what type of testing and treatment is right for you. To diagnose
any kind of flu virus, a swab of the inside of your nose needs to be collected
by a doctor. Identification of a swine flu virus requires special laboratory testing.
If you think you might have
swine flu and you need to see your health care provider, you should call ahead
and let them know you might have the flu. That way, precautions can be
taken to avoid the spread of flu to others.
What if I recently traveled
to a region where swine flu in humans has been found?
If you have recently
traveled to an area affected by swine flu, be watchful for any flu-like
symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, stay home to avoid
exposing others and contact
your healthcare provider; your healthcare provider will decide what type of
testing and treatment is right for you. To diagnose any kind of flu virus, a swab of the
inside of your nose needs to be collected by a doctor. Identification of a
swine flu virus requires special laboratory testing.
You can protect yourself and others from
swine flu the same way that you can protect yourself from seasonal flu. Avoid
holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the
flu. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer. Avoid
touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Clean things that are touched often like door
handles, telephones, etc. If you get sick with a flu-like illness say
home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not
spread.
All people with swine flu who are not hospitalized, and their household
and other close contacts, will need to stay at home to prevent spread of
illness to other people.
If I have swine flu,
can I stay at home?
People
with mild or moderate illness can and should be cared for at home to prevent
spread. Things people
who have swine flu who are cared for at home should do include:
·
check
with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they
are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease,
asthma, or emphysema
·
check
with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral
medications
·
stay
home for at least 7 days after onset of illness; or until free of symptoms
(including fever) for 24 hours, which ever is longer
·
get
plenty of rest
·
drink
clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for
infants) to keep from being dehydrated
·
cover
coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand
rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing
into hands.
·
Never
cough in the direction of someone else.
·
avoid
close contact with others – do not go to work or school while ill
·
be
watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need
to seek medical attention
Get medical care right away
if the sick person at home:
·
has difficulty breathing or chest pain
·
has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
·
is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
·
has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence
of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
·
has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions) is less
responsive than normal or becomes confused
Is there a vaccine for swine
flu?
No. Right now there is no
vaccine for swine flu. According to CDC, it is unlikely that the vaccine for
seasonal flu will prevent swine flu.
Yes. It is safe to eat properly handled
and cooked pork and pork products. Swine flu viruses
are not spread by food. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork
products.
Why is swine flu important?
Approximately every 20-40 years, a new
strain of the flu virus appears which is very different from the ordinary
seasonal flu virus. When this happens most people do not have immunity to
this new strain of flu virus and it can spread to many people, across the
world, over a short period of time. This is called an
influenza pandemic. Some people think that swine flu viruses might play
a role in the start of the next pandemic.
For more information about seasonal flu, pandemic flu, avian flu and swine flu, please visit the websites listed below or contact the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and
Immunization at 617-983-6800.
·
Massachusetts Department of Public Health website on
influenza
·
Center for Disease Control (CDC) websites on swine
flu
April
27, 2009
No virus
found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.238 / Virus Database: 270.12.4/2081 - Release Date: 04/27/09
06:19:00