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Frequently-Asked Questions about Swine Flu

About swine flu

Q: What is swine influenza?

A: Swine influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract much like regular human influenza. The Swine Influenza currently circulating is an Influenza A (H1N1).

Q: What are signs and symptoms of swine flu?

A: The symptoms of swine flu are similar to other types of flu. Symptoms include a 100-degree fever or higher, a cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting may also occur.

Q: How serious is the infection?

A: Like seasonal flu, swine flu can vary in severity from mild to severe. The reported cases in the United States have been relatively mild.

Q: How is swine flu transmitted?

A: Swine flu can spread through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu virus; or through contact with a person suffering from swine flu.

Influenza is thought to spread from person to person mainly by droplets from the nose, throat and mouth through coughing or sneezing when a person is infected.

Q: How long is the infection period?

A: People with the flu virus may be able to infect others before they even know they are sick. The virus can be spread one day before any symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

Seeking treatment for swine flu

Q: What should I do if I think I have the flu?

A: If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. In general, you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness.

Q: When should I seek medical care?

A: Most cases of H1N1 flu are expected to be relatively mild. Self-care measures such as drinking plenty of fluids, taking medication to reduce fever and getting extra rest should be sufficient. However, if the following occurs you may need urgent medical attention:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Q: Is there a treatment for swine flu?

A: Yes. It is recommended that medication be available only for high risk populations, i.e., young children, the elderly, individuals with chronic conditions and those who may have been exposed. Your health care provider will determine if testing or treatment is necessary.

Miscellaneous

Q: Is there a vaccine available for H1N1?

A: The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed to conduct clinical trials

Q: Should I still get the seasonal flu vaccine?

A: The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

Q: Can I catch swine flu through food?

A: No. The swine flu virus is not transmitted by food or from eating pork products.

Q: Is it okay to travel?

At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes to this recommendation will be posted at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

Q: Where can I find further information?

For more information, contact University Health Services at 734.487.1122 or visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu.