Antiviral drugs may not stop the infection entirely, but they
may provide significant relief from symptoms. In addition, they may also stop
you from developing complications of the flu.
How is swine flu spread?
Swine flu can be spread to humans from infected pigs. It can
also be transmitted among people in the same way that other influenza viruses
are spread: coughing and sneezing that sprays droplets of infected material into
the air and onto surfaces. This infected material may be breathed in by others.
In addition, people may get the virus by touching infected droplets on hard
surfaces and then touching their eyes, noses, or mouths.
If I get swine flu, how long am I contagious?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
infectious period for a confirmed case of swine flu is one day prior to the
start of the illness through seven days after the illness starts. Also, your
fever should be gone.
Can I get swine flu from eating pork?
No. It is safe to consume pork or pork products that have been adequately processed and prepared. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
How can I protect myself and others against infection?
You can help protect yourself against infection by the swine flu virus and other viruses by:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water is
not available, use alcohol-based cleaners.
- Staying away from sick people. If you are sick, you should stay away
from other people as much as possible.
- Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Covering your mouth with tissues when you cough or coughing into your
shirt rather than your hands. Dispose of the tissues, and then wash your
hands.
- Currently, there is no vaccine against swine flu in people, but
government health officials are "looking intently" at developing one.
If you have symptoms of swine flu or any other type of flu, you
should contact your health care provider, especially if you want to get a
prescription for antiviral drugs. In addition, it is very important to contact
your health provider if you have symptoms and:
- You have recently traveled to Mexico or to other states that have had
confirmed cases of swine flu. The states that have had confirmed cases are
Texas, New York, Kansas, Ohio, and California, according to WHO.
- You have been in contact with someone who has traveled to Mexico or
other locations that have had confirmed cases of swine flu.
- You are having difficulty breathing.
- You cannot stop vomiting.
- You are experiencing an extreme change in behavior or in your mental
state.