The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on their website regarding Swine Flu.  Please refer to the following website for further information:   www.cdc.gov/swineflu 

What is swine Flu?

Swine Influenza (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.  

Is Swine Flu contagious? How does it spread?

Yes.  It is spread from human to human but it is not yet known how easily it spreads between people.  

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? 

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food.  You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products.  Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. 

What are the symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms 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. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. 

How can I protect myself? 

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.  There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness like influenza.  Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in an area where swine flu cases have been identified and people are ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your doctor, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.  Your doctor will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.