1. Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs
H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
Heartland Alliance Refugee Health Programs

2. What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease that usually infects pigs.
Humans can also be infected by swine flu, although it is not as common.

3. What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to other influenza viruses and can include:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting

4. How do you catch swine flu?
You can catch swine flu
Through contact with infected pigs.
Through contact with a person infected with swine flu.
You CANNOT catch swine flu by eating pork.

5. What medications treat swine flu?
There is no vaccine available right now to treat swine flu.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends two different antiviral drugs:
Tamiflu
Relenza
These antiviral drugs can also be used to prevent swine flu.

6. How can we prevent the spread of swine flu?
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Avoid close contact with sick people.

7. What should I do if I get sick?
Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
See your health care provider to confirm your illness and get the right medicines, if needed.

8. When should I seek medical care?
CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SIGNS:
High fever for several days
Shaking chills
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, not urinating as frequently, eyes that seem sunken in)
Coughing that produces thick mucus

9. When should I call 9-1-1 (Emergency)?
CALL if you develop any of the following signs:
Irritability or confusion
Difficult breathing or chest pain with each breath
Bluish skin
Stiff neck
Inability to move an arm or a leg
A seizure for the first time

10. How should I take care of a sick family member at home?
The sick person should rest in a quiet place away from other family members.
Only one person should be the caregiver for the sick family member.
Give the sick person plenty of liquids (soups, teas, juices) and simple foods like toast, crackers, rice, applesauce, etc. to keep up nutrition.

11. Healthy habits are the key to protecting ourselves from contagious diseases.
Be sure to eat healthy and nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, exercise, and practice good hygiene in order to protect yourself and your family!

12. Sources CDC, “Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu).
Chicago Department of Public Health, “Swine Flu Questions and Answers”.
MedlinePlus, “Swine Flu”.
PCC Community Wellness, “H1N1 Influenza A”.

13. Refugee Health Programs Heartland Health Outreach
1331 W Albion Chicago, IL 60626 ph
This multi-media document was prepared by Caroline N. Flood and made possible in part with funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Department of Health and Human Services provided to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
June 2009