H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the H1N1 Influenza A virus. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was not sustained.
Is swine flu virus contagious?
Yes. It has been found in several states during this outbreak. Go to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at or call 1-800-CDC-INFO for the most current information. Check out the CDC's additional resources for parents and caregivers.
For a directory of local health jurisdiction H1N1 influenza resources and information please visit the H1N1 influenza homepage for the State of California in the link above.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? Symptoms are similar to regular human flu and include:
- Fever > 100 F
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills Fatigue
- Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
How does swine flu spread?
Mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
So always cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and clean your hands either with soap and water or alcohol gel.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: keep your hands clean, either by washing or gel. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, may be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs:
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
What is the best technique for washing my hands?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
When alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers are used, apply enough to cover hands, rub in and let dry. No water is needed; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
How serious is swine flu infection?
So far in the US the majority of cases have been mild or moderate. If you live in or have recently visited areas where swine flu cases have been identified and become ill with flu-like symptoms, you may want to contact a health care provider who can determine whether testing or treatment is needed.
Can I get swine flu from eating or preparing pork?
No.
Swine flu is not spread by food. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or handling pork products.
