Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a strain of flu found in pigs. Swine flu is caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of the flu in pigs. The swine flu can typically produce large numbers of illnesses with a low amounts of deaths.
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
The swine flu can spread from person to person in the same fashion as seasonal influenza. The influenza virus is active in droplets produced by coughing and sneezing. This Does Not mean that the air is saturated with the virus; simply that you should keep a distance from people who are sneezing and coughing. People may also become infected by touching something with the virus on it (such as a counter top) and then by touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal influenza and may include: general weakness, fever, loss of appetite, coughing and sneezing. Some symptoms associated with confirmed cases of swine flu have included runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The incubation period is 1-3 days for most influenza A viruses.
It is possible for persons with swine flu to be contagious for up to 7 days after showing signs and symptoms of the swine flu. Anyone who is ill longer than 7 days should be considered contagious and should avoid contact with other people until the illness is resolved. Children may also be contagious for longer periods of time. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people with swine flu symptoms remain home for the first 7 days after the illness onset.
•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are easily spread this way.
•Wash your hands often and after you sneeze. Hand sanitizer is effective as well.
•Keep a distance from person who is sneezing and coughing.
•If you are ill with the swine flu virus, stay home to avoid infecting others.
Any strain of influenza can produce deaths, usually in those who have underdeveloped immune systems (such as infants and very young children) and those with weakened immune systems (such as the elderly or those with prior immune deficiencies). The CDC has determined that the swine flu found in all the confirmed cases in United States was milder than those found in other countries. To date in all US cases, the persons made full recovery without receiving treatment.
As with any virus, there is no cure; there is however treatment available for severe cases. The Saint Barnabas Health Care System is receiving regular updates from the New Jersey Department of Heath (NJ DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is making preparations in the event New Jersey experiences a large amount of swine flu cases.
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