What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. 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.

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. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Here are some common sense, everyday actions you can take to stay healthy.

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way

Try to avoid close contact with sick people

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
• If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care

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