FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SWINE FLU
Here are some frequently asked questions on the swine flu, with answers courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For a more in-depth FAQ, you can visit the CDC or World Health Organization's websites.
WHAT IS SWINE FLU?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD TO HUMANS?
Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus.
IS THERE A VACCINE FOR SWINE FLU?
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the United States for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE TO AVOID SWINE FLU?
To reduce the risk of contracting swine flu: Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (then discard the tissue immediately) or your forearm when you cough or sneeze. Avoid being in close contact with those who are ill.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU IN HUMANS?
A suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined by the CDC as a person with acute respiratory illness who has been in close contact (within about six feet) of a person with a confirmed case of swine flu infection or traveled to or resides in an area where there are confirmed cases of the infection. Acute respiratory illness is defined as the recent onset of at least two of the following symptoms: nasal congestion/runny nose, sore throat, cough and/or fever.
WHAT IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU?
Students experiencing symptoms should call University Health Services at 368-4539 or 368-6150. Faculty and staff who may be ill should contact their personal health care provider.
CAN PEOPLE CATCH SWINE FLU FROM EATING PORK?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO OTHER COUNTRIES?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that U.S. citizens cancel all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time.