Schiesher School Health Services
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Information about Swine
Flu
The US Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, has
determined that the swine influenza A (HIN1), or swine flu, has
become a public health concern. The CDC recently issued an alert
due to documented cases that have occurred in this country. This
strain of influenza is a concern due to a lack of immunity in the
human population.
Facts about Swine Flu
Influenza, better known as the flu, is a common respiratory
illness. Symptoms appear 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the
virus. The swine flu virus can be spread 1 day before and for
approximately 7 days during symptoms. Symptoms of swine flu are
similar to those of a typical seasonal flu and include: fever,
lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with the
swine flu have reported a sore throat, sinus congestion, and
vomiting and diarrhea.
Transmission between humans is believed to occur in the same manner
as seasonal flu and cold viruses. This mode of transmission can be
person-to-person, through inhaling infected droplets from an
infected person’s cough or sneeze or by touching a surface
contaminated with flu viruses and then touching the mouth, nose, or
eyes.
Prevention
Preventing the spread of swine flu is no different than
preventing the spread of seasonal flu and involves the following
basic hygiene measures:
• Wash you hands more frequently. Soap and water is always
preferred, but alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing over 60%
rubbing alcohol is also effective. Hand washing is the most
important preventive measure.
• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• Try to refrain from sneezing or coughing into your bare hands.
Instead, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of the elbow or
upper arm. Sneezing or coughing into the hands is preferable,
however, to not covering the mouth at all. Make sure to wash your
hands well if sneezing or coughing into them.
• Try to stay in good general health. Get adequate sleep and
exercise, drink appropriate amounts of fluids, and eat nutritious
foods.
• If you are sick, especially with a fever/persistent cough, stay
home to avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
Treatment
The swine flu is susceptible to treatment from two antiviral
medications, Tamiflu and Relenza, which can make the illness less
severe and speed recovery. These are most effective if given within
two days of a patient exhibiting flu symptoms.
If you would like further information on swine flu symptoms,
prevention, and treatment, visit the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
Information on preventing swine flu is available in Spanish at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/swine_espanol.htm.
