Influenza A(H1N1) - Swine Flu

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE "SWINE FLU" 

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States and internationally. At this time there are no reported cases in Indiana.  Please review the information below to learn more.  For additional information, visit www.cdc.gov. We will continue to update this site as more information becomes available.

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. 

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. 

SYMPTOMS 

• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Chills
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea/Vomiting have been reported in some cases

 Symptoms usually appear about 2-7 days after exposure. People can generally spread flu viruses from 1-2 days before symptoms start to about 7 days after, however scientist are not sure how long people may shed the current circulating swine flu virus.

 PREVENTION

• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Cough or sneeze into a sleeve rather than you hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  • Regularly clean equipment and frequently used devices such as light switches, door handles, phones, etc.

TRANSMISSION

Influenza is thought to be spread mainly person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Contact with a contaminated surface and then touching their mouth or nose is another possible source of transmission.

TREATMENT

There are two antiviral agents that the CDC is recommending for treatment. Tamiflu and Relenza will assist by decreasing symptoms of the flu, however it is not recommended to use these drugs for the prevention of the flu. The public does not have immunity and currently there is not a vaccine available to this strain.

RESOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CDC website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Indiana State Department of Health website: www.H1N1.in.gov

World Health Organization website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html