Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the type A flu virus. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.  Swine flu virus has been reported to spread from person-to-person and is contagious.  

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu. The symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. 
 
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.  That is why it is important to take everyday actions to prevent the spread of germs.
 
What can you do to keep from getting the swine flu?
                                                    
First and most important: Wash your hands.  Try to stay in good general health.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  

Take these everyday steps:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissues in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water; especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol -based gel or foam hand cleansers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you get sick with flu, stay home from work or school. And limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Wash your hands often. This will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and warm water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.  We recommend that when you wash your hands- that you wash 15 to 20 seconds.  Alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used when soap and water are not available.

What should you do if you get sick?

If you live in areas where swine flu cases have been reported and you become ill with flu-like symptoms, you should contact your health care provider or Nurse Wise first, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.  You may benefit from anti-viral medications that may make you feel better sooner.

If you are sick, you should stay home. 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 follow warning signs, seek 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 sign that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest of abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

 Are there medications to treat swine flu?

Yes.  Tamiflu and Relenza are recommended for the treatment and prevention of infection with swine flu virsus.  These antiviral drugs are prescription medications that fight against the flu by keeping the flu virus from spreading in the 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.  These drugs work best if started soon after getting sick, within 2 days of symptoms. 

Content Source: Centers for Disease Control-  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

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