FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQUESTIONS

What is swine flu?What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory

disease of pigs caused by type a influenza disease of pigs caused by type a influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.sustained beyond three people.


What are the signs and symptoms of swine What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported:Some people have reported:

Diarrhea and vomiting can be associated with swine flu. Diarrhea and vomiting can be associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.conditions.


How does swine flu spread? How does swine flu spread?

Spread of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought Spread of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way as that of seasonal to be happening in the same way as that of seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to flu. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sickbecoming sick..

How serious is it?How serious is it?• At this time it appears this strain is a At this time it appears this strain is a

mild virusmild virus• It may mutate eventually and It may mutate eventually and

become more seriousbecome more serious• WHO recommends treating this like WHO recommends treating this like

seasonal influenzaseasonal influenza• Consult a physician as early as Consult a physician as early as

possiblepossible


How long can an infected person How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following onset of illness.for up to 7 days following onset of illness.

Children, especially younger children, might Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods potentially be contagious for longer periods


What surfaces are most likely What surfaces are most likely to be sources of to be sources of contamination?contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.move through the air.


How long can viruses live outside How long can viruses live outside the body?the body?

live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

Frequent hand washing will help reduce Frequent hand washing will help reduce the chance of getting contamination from the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.these common surfaces.


Are there medicines to treat swine Are there medicines to treat swine fluflu??

Yes. The use of oseltamivir for the treatment Yes. The use of oseltamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses is recommended. swine influenza viruses is recommended.

Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. and make you feel better faster.

They may also prevent serious flu They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). (within 2 days of symptoms).

What should I do to keep from getting What should I do to keep from getting the flu?the flu?

First and most important: First and most important: wash your hands frequently. wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health.Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage

your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. food.

Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. with the flu virus.

Avoid close contact with people having respiratory Avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.illness.


Persons in home isolation and their household Persons in home isolation and their household members should be givenmembers should be given infection control infection control instructions like frequent hand washing with soap and instructions like frequent hand washing with soap and water; use of alcohol-based hand gels (containing at water; use of alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60%alcohol).least 60%alcohol).

When the ill person is within 6 feet of others at home, When the ill person is within 6 feet of others at home, the ill personthe ill person should wear a faceshould wear a face mask, if available or mask, if available or handkerchief or tissues. handkerchief or tissues.

Household contacts who Household contacts who are well should: are well should:

– remain home at the earliest remain home at the earliest signsign of illness; of illness;

– minimize contact in the minimize contact in the community to the extent possible; community to the extent possible;

– designate a single household designate a single household family member as the ill person’s family member as the ill person’s caregiver to minimize interactions caregiver to minimize interactions with asymptomatic persons. with asymptomatic persons.


What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. way.

Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness. If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away

from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital. distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.


What should I do if I get sick?What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where swine influenza cases If you live in areas where swine influenza cases

have been identified and become ill with have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, influenza-like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, running nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or running nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may contact the health care diarrhea, you may contact the health care provider, particularly if you are worried about provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.keep from spreading your illness to others.


If you become ill and experience any of the If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or troubled breathing Fast breathing or troubled breathing Bluish skin colour Bluish skin colour Not drinking enough fluids/eating food Not drinking enough fluids/eating food Not waking up or not interactingNot waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want Being so irritable that the child does not want

to be heldto be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return Flu-like symptoms improve but then return

with fever and worse cough with fever and worse cough Fever with a rash Fever with a rash


In adults, emergency warning In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical signs that need urgent medical attention includeattention include: :

Difficulty in breathing or shortness of Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomenPain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Sudden dizziness Confusion Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Severe or persistent vomiting


Can I get swine influenza from Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?eating or preparing pork?

No. swine influenza viruses are not spread No. swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. cooked pork products is safe.

DIAGNOSIS OF SWINE DIAGNOSIS OF SWINE FLUFLU

For diagnosis of swine influenza a For diagnosis of swine influenza a infection, respiratory specimen infection, respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.or longer.

PREVENTIVE MEASURESPREVENTIVE MEASURES

There is currently no vaccine There is currently no vaccine available against human swine available against human swine influenza. One has to follow proper influenza. One has to follow proper hand hygiene and respiratory hand hygiene and respiratory etiquettes etiquettes

SYMPTOMS OF SWINE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLUFLUVery similar to regular fluVery similar to regular flu

Typically happens after regular flu season is Typically happens after regular flu season is overover

Upper respiratory symptoms, may have Upper respiratory symptoms, may have nausea, vomiting, diarrheanausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Some incidents of sudden dizzinessSome incidents of sudden dizzinessIf feverish or have other flu-like symptoms, If feverish or have other flu-like symptoms,

call your doctor or occupational health call your doctor or occupational health nurse! Try to avoid the emergency room or nurse! Try to avoid the emergency room or doctor’s office.doctor’s office.

Precautions for School Precautions for School children:children: Schools with a confirmed or a suspected case Schools with a confirmed or a suspected case

should be considered for closure.should be considered for closure. All school or childcare related gatherings should All school or childcare related gatherings should

be cancelled and encourage parents and students be cancelled and encourage parents and students to avoid congregating outside of the school.to avoid congregating outside of the school.

Schools and childcare facilities should bar Schools and childcare facilities should bar students for a time period to be evaluated on an students for a time period to be evaluated on an ongoing basis depending upon epidemiological ongoing basis depending upon epidemiological findings. findings.

Schools and childcare facilities should consult Schools and childcare facilities should consult withwith their local or state health departments for their local or state health departments for guidance on reopening. If no additional confirmed guidance on reopening. If no additional confirmed or suspected cases are identified among students or suspected cases are identified among students (or school-based personnel) for a period of 7 days, (or school-based personnel) for a period of 7 days, schools may consider reopening. schools may consider reopening.

Schools and childcare facilities in unaffected Schools and childcare facilities in unaffected areas should begin to prepare for the possibility areas should begin to prepare for the possibility of school or childcare facility closure. of school or childcare facility closure.

Do’s and Don’ts:Do’s and Don’ts: Avoid close contact with people who are having Avoid close contact with people who are having

respiratory illness. respiratory illness. Sick persons should keep distance from others.Sick persons should keep distance from others. If possible, stay at home, away from work, school, If possible, stay at home, away from work, school,

and public places when you are sick. and public places when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or

handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.handkerchief when coughing or sneezing. If you have no tissue or handkerchief you should not If you have no tissue or handkerchief you should not

clean the nose with the hands but with the cuff of clean the nose with the hands but with the cuff of your shirt or clothes.your shirt or clothes.

Washing your hands often with soap or alcohol Washing your hands often with soap or alcohol based hand wash will help protect from germs.based hand wash will help protect from germs.

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.food.

Persons who develop influenza-like-Persons who develop influenza-like-illness (ILI) (fever with either cough or illness (ILI) (fever with either cough or sore throat) should be strongly sore throat) should be strongly encouraged to self-isolate in their home encouraged to self-isolate in their home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. resolved, whichever is longer.

Persons who experience ILI and wish to Persons who experience ILI and wish to seek medical care should contact their seek medical care should contact their health care providers to report illnesshealth care providers to report illness

Persons who have difficulty in breathing or Persons who have difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath should seek immediate shortness of breath should seek immediate medical attention and report to the nearby medical attention and report to the nearby hospital. hospital.

If ill persons mustIf ill persons must go into the community go into the community (e.g., to seek medical care) they should (e.g., to seek medical care) they should wear a face mask to reduce the risk of wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.spreading the virus in the community.

If a face mask is unavailable, ill persons If a face mask is unavailable, ill persons needing to go into the community should needing to go into the community should use a handkerchief or tissues to cover any use a handkerchief or tissues to cover any coughing and sneezing. coughing and sneezing.

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