What is swine flu?
According to the Center for Disease Control, H1N1 is a flu virus that causes high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs (and humans). Although the virus may circulate among swine throughout the year, most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months (similar to outbreaks in humans). And swine flu viruses also change constantly—pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as by swine influenza viruses. When these other species' viruses infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e., swap genes) and new viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged; most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
How common is swine flu infection in humans?
In the past, the CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported. As of this writing (5/4/09), approximately 230 confirmed cases have been reported in the U.S.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu, and include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite and coughing
Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What can you do to stay healthy?
The CDC recommends the following actions:
- Avoid close contact with sick people and people who may have been infected.
- 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. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread that way.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people. If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. The CDC also has a number of useful pages on its Web site, including info on how to take care of a person infected with swine flu in your home and travel warnings.
Click here to learn what schools and other workplaces can do to prevent spread of the flu.
You'll also find a variety of planning checklists for schools here.
