Swine Flu Fact Sheet

from Krames Patient Education Healthsheet


http://www.krames.com/
Swine influenza, also called swine flu, is an illness that mainly affects the lungs. This illness is caused by a virus (germ) that usually infects pigs (swine). The virus has now spread to humans and is easily passed from one person to another. This sheet answers some questions you may have about swine flu.

How Does Swine Flu Spread?


The swine flu virus can spread from infected pigs to humans that come in contact with them. The virus can then be passed among people the same way the regular flu spreads--through the air in droplets when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, laughs or talks. You can also become infected when you touch a surface on which the droplets have landed and then transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. Touching used tissues, or sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush with an infected person can expose you to the swine flu virus, too. You cannot become infected with swine flu from eating pork or pork products that have been properly handled and cooked.

What Are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?

Swine flu symptoms are about the same as regular flu symptoms.
These include:

• Fever, usually higher than 101 degrees and chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body and muscle aches
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Tiredness and weakness
• Diarrhea and vomiting

Call your healthcare provider for advice if any of the above symptoms become severe. If swine flu has been detected in your area, your healthcare provider may have you tested.

How is Swine Flu Treated?

If swine flu is in your area and your symptoms are severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications call antivirals. These must be taken within 2 days of when your symptoms started. Antivirals work by stopping the swine flue virus from reproducing in your body. This gives your body's immune system a chance to fight the virus. After taking the medication, your symptoms may be milder and you may recover quicker than without the medication. The medication may also prevent serious complications such as pneumonia. Antivirals come in the form of pills, liquid or inhaler. If your symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider will likely tell you to follow the self-care measures listed below.

Easing Flu Symptoms

• Drink lots of fluids such as water, juice, and warm soup to prevent dehydration. A good rule is to drink enough so that you urinate your normal amount.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Ask your healthcare provider about acetaminophen or other medications for fever and pain. Take any medication only as directed. Do not give aspirin to children under age 18. It can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye Syndrome.
• Call your doctor if your fever rises above 101 degrees or you become dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath.

Taking Steps to Protect Others

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Stay at home at least 5 days after you first feel sick or until your fever and cough are gone.
• Don't share food, utensils, drinking glasses or toothbrushes with others.
• Ask your doctor whether others in your household should receive antiviral medication to help them avoid infection.

How Can Swine Flu Be Prevented?

At this time there is no vaccine to prevent swine flu. But there are things you can do to avoid becoming infected with swine flu.

• Wash your hands often. Frequent handwashing is a proven way to prevent infection.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Use it when you don't have access to soap and water. Alcohol gels kill most germs and are safe for children.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• At home and work, clean phones, computer keyboards, and toys often with disinfectant wipes.
• If possible, avoid close contact with others, especially if swine flu cases have been identified in the area where you live.
• Wearing a surgical facemask can help protect against getting swine flu. The mask prevents the spread of infected droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, laugh or talk.

Handwashing Tips

Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of swine flu and other common infections. Follow these steps:

• Use warm water and plenty of soap. Work up a good lather.
• Clean the whole hand, under your nails, between your fingers and up to the wrists.
• Wash for at least 15 seconds. Don't just wipe, scrub well.
• Rinse, letting the water run down your fingers, not up your wrists.
• Dry your hands well. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.

Using Alcohol-Based Hand Gels

Alcohol-based hand gels are also a good choice for cleaning your hands. Use them when you don't have access to soap and water, or your hands aren't visibly dirty. Follow these steps:

• Squeeze about a tablespoon of gel into the palm of one hand.
• Rub your hands together briskly, cleaning the backs of your hands, the palms, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
• Rub until the gel is gone and your hands are completely dry.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SWINE FLU VISIT THE CDC WEBSITE

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm