What is swine flu?
Just like people, other organisms such as pigs can get flu. Current virus is reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A H1N1 - strain endemic in humans, strain endemic in birds and two strains endemic in swine. Most genetic material comes from swine strain, hence the name.
What are flu symptoms?
If you’re sick you can experience:
- fever
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- headache
- muscle aches
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea also can occur
What are flu complications?
- bacterial pneumonia
- ear infections
- sinus infections
- dehydration
- worsening of chronic medical conditions (congestive heart failure, diabetes, asthma)
How can I avoid swine-origin flu complications?
Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can prevent serious influenza A (H1N1) complications and make you get well sooner.
I think I might have swine influenza. What should I do?
Stay home to not infect others. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to not spread flu germs.
If you’ve recently been to high-risk areas such as Mexico, CDC recommends you to see your doctor. If doctor suspects swine flu, he/she will be able to write prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza.
If you haven’t been to high-risk areas you can still see your doctor to make sure.
How does swine flu spread?
It spreads just like regular flu. You can get swine flu germs from infected person or by touching object touched by infected person and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands regularly to avoid this. Also use hand sanitizers - they’re practical and can be used when water isn’t available.
Swine influenza can become airborne if infected person cough or sneeze without covering his/her nose and mouth.
According to CDC, patients infected with swine influenza didn’t had direct contact with pigs.
Does vaccine exist?
Not yet, but World Health Organization and CDC are working on it.
I had flu vaccine this season. Does it protect against swine flu?
No, this season’s vaccine wasn’t made with swine flu in mind. It will protect you against certain other human flu strains but not swine flu.
I was vaccinated against the 1976 swine flu virus. Am I safe?
No, current swine flu virus is different from 1976 strain.
Can I get infected by eating pork?
No, you can’t get swine flu by eating pork.
How can I prevent getting infected?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Avoid crowds
- Don’t touch your nose, mouth or eyes
- Practice good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, drinking lots of fluids. Be active, manage stress.
- Contact your doctor if you’re suspecting swine flu; ask about Tamiflu or Relenza
- If at risk, consider wearing protective facemask or respirator
Epidemia de Pánico / Panic Epidemy by Eneas
