What do you need to know? Are you at risk? How do you protect yourself? SWINE FLU Partnership for Environmental Education and Rural Health peer.tamu.edu Texas A&M University

What is Swine Flu? This strain of flu is commonly referred to as H1N1 influenza virus. H1N1 belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are three general types of the Influenza virus: Type A Type B Type C But, which category does swine flu fall under?

Three Categories of Influenza TYPE A The most common and causes the most serious epidemics infecting multiple species. Dr. Erskine Palmer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cause of all flu pandemics and infects mammals & birds Type A has been isolated from wild birds and can be transmitted to domestic poultry Outbreak may be caused in humans, however this is rare

Three Categories of Influenza TYPE B Only known to infect humans and seals and evolves slower than A viruses

Three Categories of Influenza TYPE C Only known to infect humans and pigs, but is rare compared to types A & B Infection by this type can be severe and can cause local epidemics, but NOT in humans

More about swine flu An infection of a host animal by a swine influenza virus (SIV) Known SIV strains are influenza C and influenza A viruses (H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, & H2N3) Swine flu is common in pigs in midwestern US, Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia

Swine flu outbreaks Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is NOT common and does NOT always cause human influenza! The meat of animal poses NO risk of transmitting the virus when properly cooked! Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza: chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness

Swine flu outbreaks The 2009 swine flu outbreak in humans is due to a NEW strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. This strain contains genes closely related to swine influenza. As of now, the origin of the strain is unknown. The World Organization for Animal Health reports this strain has NOT been isolated in pigs. BELIEVE IT OR NOT! The current outbreak is not the only one in history (or the worst either)! Let’s take time and examine outbreaks of the swine flu…

The history of swine flu 1900 Let us start the influenza history in 1900! The images here show times during the McKinley administration and the 100 th anniversary of the White House. The United States was enjoying good times and growing successfully as a nation! 1918 A flu pandemic (Spanish flu) spread to nearly every part of the world! The flu was caused by a deadly Type A strain of H1N1. The pandemic lasted from March 1918 to June An estimated 50 to 100 million people worldwide died Scientists have not been able to determine the cause of this pandemic. This was the first event that showed the disease influenced pigs and the disease could be transferred between humans and animals. This pandemic started in the United States at an Army base and was also titled as a swine flu outbreak. Luckily for the nation, this pandemic did not spread. However, this event began the push for nationwide vaccinations. President Ford receives a flu shot! Swine flu was found in pigs in four U.S. states. Within the year, the strain spread throughout pig populations. Scientists discovered the strain as a mutation from the flu strains of birds and humans. However, the strain did not jump to any humans. North Carolina Texas Iowa Minnesota 2009 This outbreak is due to a NEW strain of H1N1 NOT previously discovered in pigs. The first cases were linked to an outbreak in Mexico causing farm workers to develop flu-like symptoms. Since May 2 nd, several countries have implemented precautionary measures to minimize pandemic risk!

Currently, the new strain is thought to be a mutation, or re-assortment of 4 known strains of influenza! The World Health Organization released data on June 10 th, 2009: 74 countries have reported cases of H1N1 infection The origin of the swine flu is still a mystery, but WHO believes it may started in Eurasia and mutated in Mexico Swine flu outbreak Country Confirmed Cases Deaths WHO Totals 30, Mexico6, United States 16,50157 Canada3,5104

During a flu outbreak, you should use precaution and prevent chances of becoming sick. Follow these simple guidelines: CONSIDER THE FLU VACCINE The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine, especially for people at high risk (young children, pregnant women, senior citizens). TAKE EVERDAY PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid close contact with sick people Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. TAKE FLU ANTIVIRAL DRUGS IF YOUR DOCTOR RECOMMENDS THEM. This is a primary treatment option and are prescription medicines. Preventing the FLU!