1666 Mound Street
Phone: (941) 365-5898
Fax: (941) 366-5728

Swine Flu (H1N1) General Information

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that

causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and

do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this

transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses

were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have

reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well.

An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm. CDC and local and state health agencies are

working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from

human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include

fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported

diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and

respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal

flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that

seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or

sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something

with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or

more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else

before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be

physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch

surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of

infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid,

or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you

get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also

prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after

getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

Page – 2 –

Patient Handout provided to subscribers of Pharmacist’s Letter, Prescriber’s Letter, and Pharmacy Technician’s Letter for distribution

to patients. Updates available at www.pharmacistsletter.com, www.prescribersletter.com, www.pharmacytechniciansletter.com.

Content provided by CDC at www.cdc.gov. April 27, 2009.

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as

they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially

younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then

touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move

through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person

on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables,

doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting

contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that

can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these

everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the

trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcoholbased

hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school

and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school

if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those

around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if

you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with

alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands — with soap and warm

water — that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based

disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and

drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the

alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenzalike

symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea,

you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your

symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

Page – 3 –

Patient Handout provided to subscribers of Pharmacist’s Letter, Prescriber’s Letter, and Pharmacy Technician’s Letter for distribution

to patients. Updates available at www.pharmacistsletter.com, www.prescribersletter.com, www.pharmacytechniciansletter.com.

Content provided by CDC at www.cdc.gov. April 27, 2009.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to

keep from spreading your illness to others.

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

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

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

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until

January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring.

However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old

pregnant 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

more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

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.