Swine Flu or H1N1 Facts

The swine flu, or H1N1, is a common respiratory disease in pigs caused by Influenza type A. Swine flu rarely infects humans, but infection sometimes happens when humans come into direct contact with live pigs. It is not possible, however, to get swine flu from pork or pork products. Humans can spread the virus to other humans, causing occasional outbreaks. It is important to know the facts about swine flu viruses.

Here are some key facts about H1N1 in pigs:

• The swine flu causes illness in pigs during late fall through the winter.
• Symptoms of swine flu in pigs are fever, depression, a barking cough, sneezing, eye irritation, discharge, and loss of appetite.
• The swine flu causes illness but rarely causes death in pigs.
• The swine flu virus (type A H1N1) was isolated in 1930.
• Four main influenza type A viruses have been isolated in pigs (H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, H3N1)

Facts about H1N1 in humans:

• Swine flu can be spread from pigs to humans by a process called zoonosis.
• The CDC reports approximately one swine flu virus infection in the human population every one-to-two years in the United States.
• In 1976, an outbreak of the swine flu among soldiers at Fort Dix, N.J., caused four cases of pneumonia and one death.
• From 2005 to 2009, twelve cases of swine flu have been reported in humans.

How H1N1 swine flu is spread:

• Swine flu is spread from live pigs to people, from people to pigs, and from person to person.
• People catch the flu through exposure to droplets from sneezing and coughing. People may also come in contact with droplets by touching an infected surface, article of clothing, or tissue.
• People do no catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Cooking pork to 160 degrees kills viruses and bacteria.

H1N1 swine flu symptoms:

• Swine flu symptoms are similar to symptoms of the seasonal flu.
• Symptoms include: sudden onset of fever, tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Diagnosing swine flu:

Swine flu can be diagnosed by a respiratory specimen in the first four-to-five days of illness, or as long as seven days in children. Specimens must be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be identified.

Preventing swine flu:

• Vaccines are available to prevent swine flu in pigs, but there are no vaccines for flu shots to protect humans from getting swine flu. Seasonal influenza vaccines help to protect humans from swine H3N2 viruses, but not swine H1N1.
• The CDC still recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent against seasonal flu.
• For livestock workers, ventilation and hygiene is important to reduce exposure to swine influenza viruses. Workers should avoid touching the mouth, nose, and eyes and change clothes and wash hands before leaving work. Follow safety instructions posted at work sites.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
• Avoid contact with people who have the flu.
• Stay home if you become ill.
• Practice good health: get plenty of rest, exercise, manage stress, drink water, and eat a good diet.

Treating swine flu:

Swine flu can be treated with antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor. The most recent swine flu viruses are being treated with oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®).

The CDC recommends rest, plenty of fluids, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

Consult a physician for more information or for influenza diagnosis and treatment. For emergencies, seek medical attention immediately.