Human swine influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, is a new type of human influenza virus which causes respiratory disease.
In general, swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by a type A influenza virus.
Viruses that cause swine flu do not normally infect humans, although rare human infections have occurred.
The swine flu virus we are now concerned with originally came from pigs but combined with other types of viruses to make a new virus that can now be transmitted from person to person.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
How is swine flu spread?
Human swine influenza is thought to be spread when infected airborne droplets,produced by coughing or sneezing by someone with the infection, come into contactwith a mucous membrane (lining of the nose and mouth).
Infection may also be spread by contact with hands, tissues and other articles soiled by infected nose and throat discharges.
Infection may also be spread by contact with hands, tissues and other articles soiled by infected nose and throat discharges.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard,seasonal flu.
These include fever and cough, sore throat, fatigue and respiratory illness.
Those symptoms include fever over 100ยบ F, cough, sore throat, body aches and headache.
In addition, fatigue, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur.
Anyone with fever and severe respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing should contact their health care provider.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
These include fever and cough, sore throat, fatigue and respiratory illness.
Those symptoms include fever over 100ยบ F, cough, sore throat, body aches and headache.
In addition, fatigue, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur.
Anyone with fever and severe respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing should contact their health care provider.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
How is it diagnosed?
What is the incubation period?
The time between becoming infected and developing symptoms is 1 – 7 days.
Can it be passed to other people?
Based on current knowledge, an infected person can spread the infection to others from one day before the onset of symptoms up to 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
What should I do if I get sick?
Although typical flu symptoms usually do not require medical attention, healthy adults who are not at risk for complications of flu should at least contact their doctor if they have unexplained fever and trouble breathing or if their symptoms are getting worse.
If people are at risk for severe influenza , they should at least contact their doctor when they develop symptoms of the flu, including fever and either a cough or sore throat.
If people are at risk for severe influenza , they should at least contact their doctor when they develop symptoms of the flu, including fever and either a cough or sore throat.
How long can the virus live on a countertop or other surface?
The virus can live on hard surfaces for at least several hours and possibly more than a day.
For that reason, it is important that you wash your hands after coughing or sneezing to avoid passing on the virus.
For that reason, it is important that you wash your hands after coughing or sneezing to avoid passing on the virus.
Can I get swine flu from eating pork, ham, etc.?
No, you cannot get swine flu in that way.
Swine flu is passed from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or by touching a surface that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
Swine flu is passed from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or by touching a surface that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
How do people get swine flu?
You can become infected by the swine flu virus when someone infected with swine flu coughs or sneezes droplets near you and you take in the virus through your mouth, nose or eyes.
You can also get the virus by touching a surface such as a countertop or doorknob that has become contaminated and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
You can also get the virus by touching a surface such as a countertop or doorknob that has become contaminated and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
How do I avoid getting swine flu or infecting others if I have the flu?
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and clean your hands.
- 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 this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people; don’t share glasses or eating utensils.
- Wash a sick person's laundry in hot water and dry it on high. Wear gloves or wash your hands after touching laundry.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
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