Swine Flu Update

Monitoring and Working to Contain Swine Flu

The United States government has declared swine flu to be a public health emergency.  Of course, it remains to be seen how severe swine flu will be in the U.S. but countries around the globe are monitoring the situation closely.

Even though the swine flu has surfaced in various countries, including New Jersey and several other U.S. states, the epicenter of the outbreak appears to be Mexico where many people have died.

People who plan to travel to travel to Mexico should check the Centers for Disease Control website for the latest information:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu - Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/h1n1.shtml - NJ Department of Health and Senior Services

www.nj.gov/health - Up-to-date information on Swine Flu in New Jersey

http://www.njlincs.net – New Jersey’s Health Action Network

http://www.state.gov – State Department travel recommendations

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

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ - One-stop access to U.S. Government swine, avian and pandemic flu information

http://new.paho.org – Pan American Health Organization

Swine Flu Facts

What is swine flu?

Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu does not often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak is different. It's caused by a new swine flu virus that has spread from person to person. 

What are swine flu symptoms?

Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Those symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, and that means that you and your doctor cannot know, just based on your symptoms, if you’re infected with swine flu. It takes a lab test to tell whether it's swine flu or some other condition.

I think I have swine flu. What should I do?

If you have flu symptoms, stay home, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent your flu from spreading.
If you've got flu symptoms, and you've recently been to a high-risk area like Mexico, health officials recommend that you see your doctor. If you have flu symptoms but you haven't been in a high-risk area, you can still see a doctor -- that's your call.

Keep in mind that your doctor will not be able to determine whether you have swine flu, but he or she would take a sample from you and send it to a state health department lab for testing to see if it's swine flu. If your doctor suspects swine flu, he or she would be able to write you a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza or Relenza. By the way, those drugs may not be required. Earlier U.S. swine flu patients have made a full recovery without it.

How does swine flu spread?

The new swine flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. You could pick up germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection.

That's why you should make washing your hands a habit, even when you're not ill. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.

The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.

Is there a vaccine against the new swine flu virus?

No. But the CDC and the World Health Organization are already taking the first steps toward making such a vaccine. That's a lengthy process -- it takes months.

I got a flu vaccine this season - am I protected against swine flu?

No. This season's flu vaccine was not designed with the new swine flu virus in mind. If you were vaccinated against flu last fall or winter, that vaccination will go a long way toward protecting you against certain human flu virus strains. But the new swine flu virus is a whole other problem.

How can I prevent swine flu infection?

The CDC recommends taking these steps:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. 
• Avoid close contact with sick people. 
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

I have a sick family member.  What should I do?

This fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control may be helpful:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_homecare.htm

Can I still eat pork?

Yes. You can not get swine flu by eating pork, bacon, or other foods that come from pigs.

What else should I be doing?

Keep informed of what's going on in your community. Your state and local health departments may have important information if swine flu develops in your area.

Above all: do not panic.  Plan, but do not panic.