Swine or H1N1 Flu May 2009

What is Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (Swine Flu)? Swine flu is typically a respiratory disease of pigs; however, swine flu has expanded to human-to- human transmission. The current strain is a hybrid of avian and hog viruses, and has nothing to do with “swine.” Moreover, despite extensive testing, the hybrid virus has not been found in pigs. Therefore “swine influenza” has been officially renamed as "H1N1 Flu."

Can humans catch H1N1 flu? CDC (Center for Disease Control) has determined that this Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus is contagious. At this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 Flu in humans? Similar symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza. Fever (greater than 100.0º F or 37.8 º C), AND cough and sore throat. Body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue or lack of appetite. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How Can Someone with the H1N1 Flu Infect Someone Else? Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. (Usually within 2-4 meters). Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How Can Someone with the H1N1 Flu Infect Someone Else? Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

What Can I do to Keep From Getting the Flu? Wash you hands. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Antiviral treatment for H1N1 Flu infections in humans CDC recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) or Relenza (zanamivir) as part of the treatment and/or reduction of severity of infection with H1N1 influenza viruses.

Vaccinations At this time, vaccine to prevent H1N1 Flu is not available.

Is it safe to eat pork? Yes. H1N1 flu has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The H1N1 influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

When Does an Outbreak Become a Pandemic? new to the population and has no vaccine yet available passes easily from person to person has caused outbreaks in at least two or more countries in different parts of the world has the potential to cause serious illness and even fatalities In the case of an infectious disease like influenza, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines a pandemic as any spread of a disease that is:

The current WHO phase of pandemic alert is 5.

Pandemic Alert It’s important to remember that a pandemic alert is a preventative measure and does not necessarily mean that most people will contract the illness or that many people will get seriously ill. It’s a way for governments to work together to stop the spread of the disease and find a way to keep it under control.

How it all began…

References Swine Flu – H1N1,Situation Update, Jakarta 30 April 2009 World Health Orgainization ochaonline.un.org/OchaLinkClick.aspx?link=ocha&docId = Swine Flu Training EMSA1 Swine Flu Training EMSA1.ppt ndoutColor.pdf food-safety/ 7/11/10/kissing_pig.jpg