Germ Journal
Swine Flu

What is swine flu?

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. Before the current outbreak, people rarely got swine flu, and usually only if they were in very close proximity to infected pigs. However, during the current outbreak, the virus is able to spread from person-to-person.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some patients with swine flu also have reported vomiting and diarrhea.  

How does the swine flu spread?

          Flu viruses are spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing.  Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person can land on desks and other surfaces.  The germs can be transmitted if a person touches these surfaces, then touches their eyes, nose or mouth before washing  hands.

People with the flu are infectious to others beginning one day before symptoms appear and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

Is there medicine to treat swine flu?

            Tamiflu and Relenza are antiviral prescription medications that are effective in the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine flu viruses.  These medicines work best if given within 2 days of the onset of symptoms.

            There is no vaccine available to prevent swine flu.  Unfortunately, the flu shot you received last fall and winter is not effective against swine flu.

What should you do to keep from getting the flu?

●          Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others;

●          Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues;

●          Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

●          Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;

●          Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise; and

●          Seek care if you have influenza-like illness.

Edited by:

Nancy Gibson RN, CIC, Infection Preventionist