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. People do not normally get swine flu. Swine flu jumps to humans most often among people who are around pigs. The virus becomes a bigger threat when it acquires the ability to be transmitted person to person.
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. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, swine flu has led to medical complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available to protect against swine flu. But everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these steps to protect your health:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.• If you get the flu, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. What should I do if I get sick? If you have recently traveled to areas currently reporting swine flu cases, or have been in direct contact with someone who has, and believe you are becoming ill with influenza-like symptoms, contact a local health care provider. Symptoms include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.
Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. 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
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.
