Department of Health
Public Health Advisory
SWINE FLU OUTBREAK
What is Swine Influenza?
It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type of influenza A/H1N1. Swine influenza does not normally infect humans, but sporadic human infections have occurred. From December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infections have been reported to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How Does Swine Influenza Spread?
It is transmitted directly from pigs to people in close proximity to infected pigs in barns and livestock exhibits. Human-to-human transmission occurs through coughing and sneezing, or touching surfaces contaminated with the viruses and then touching their mouth or nose. You CANNOT get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to those of regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite, sneezing, coughing, running nose, sore throat, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may cause worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. It can develop into a severe illness with pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.
Recommendations
According to the CDC, to stay healthy you should:
- Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- If you get sick, STAY HOME from work or school and limit contact with others
- Get plenty of fluids
- Get plenty of rest
Additional measures that can limit transmission include home quarantine of confirmed or probable cases, reduction of unnecessary social contacts, reduce hugging or kissing, avoid crowded settings. When crowded settings or close contact with others cannot be avoided, the use of facemasks or respirators in affected areas is advised. Used correctly they can help prevent some exposures.
For more information, please contact the public health nurse, Ms Grace Morales, or Epidemiologist, Dr. Suzie Jean-Louis, of the Englewood Health Department at 201-568-3450.
