Human Swine Flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza
viruses. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections
can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread
from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited
and not sustained beyond three people.

Transmission
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that both the
symptoms and transmission of this virus from human to human are
much like seasonal flu, which is spread mainly through coughing or
sneezing of infected people. Sometimes people may become sick by
touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their
mouth or nose.

Symptoms
Signs of swine flu are also like the signs of regular human flu --
including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and
tiredness. Some people with swine flu have diarrhea and vomiting as
well. In the past, severe illness (such as pneumonia and respiratory
failure) and deaths have been reported with human swine flu. Also
know that just like seasonal flu, swine flu can cause a worsening of
underlying chronic health conditions.

Prevention
While there is no vaccine available to protect against swine flu, there
are everyday precautions you can take to help prevent the spread of
germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Following are
some steps recommended by the CDC to protect your health, as well
as that of your family and other people with whom you come into
contact:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze.Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

5. If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school
and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.