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H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information and
Prevention
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Source FDL County Health
Dept.):
What
is the H1N1 flu?
H1N1 Influenza (swine
flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by
type A influenza viruses that causes regular
outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get
swine flu, but human infections can and do
happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to
spread from person-to-person, but in the past,
this transmission was limited and not sustained
beyond three people.
Is this H1N1
flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that
this H1N1 influenza virus is
contagious and is spreading from human to human.
However, at this time, it not known how easily
the virus spreads between people.
How does H1N1 flu spread?
Spread of this H1N1
influenza virus is thought to be
happening in the same way that seasonal flu
spreads. Flu viruses are 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.
Can I get H1N1
influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 influenza
viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get
H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork
products. Eating properly handled and cooked
pork products is safe.
What are the
signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu
in people are similar to the symptoms of regular
human flu and include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
Are there
medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the
use of anti-viral medication for the treatment
and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1
influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are
prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an
inhaler) that fight against the flu.
What can I do
to protect myself, and others, from getting
sick?
There is no vaccine
available right now to protect against swine
flu. There are everyday actions that can help
prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these
everyday steps to protect your health:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the
trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends
that you stay home from work or school and limit
contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Use your own drinking cups and straws.
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces
such as door knobs, refrigerator handles,
telephones, faucets, computer mouse and
keyboards, and copier buttons.
• Stay home if you are ill!
Who may be at
risk?
If you are a person who
has recently traveled to an area where there are
confirmed cases of swine influenza A, such as
Mexico or the Southwestern region of the United
States. Or, if you have been in close contact
with someone who has recently traveled to Mexico
or the Southwest and is now ill. You may want to
contact your health care provider, and the FDL
County Health Department, particularly if you
are worried about your symptoms. Your health
care provider, and the health department, will
determine whether influenza testing, or
treatment, is needed.
For any questions regarding
H1N1 flu, call the Fond du Lac County Health
Department at (920) 929-3085.
Student Fact Sheets:
•
H1N1 Flu:
Student's Guide
•
Pandemic Flu: The
College Response
Links to state
and federal sites:
•
Wisconsin's Pandemic Flu Resource for the
most up-to-date information in Wisconsin
•
Centers for Disease Control H1N1 flu
information
•
Centers for Disease Control travel warning
discouraging all non-essential travel to Mexico
•
Pandemic
Flu – U.S. government site for pandemic flu
information
•
Wisconsin Public Radio and Television stories
on H1N1
Flu Influenza
•
Frequently Asked
Questions Specifically for State Employees
•
Posters on Handwashing and Coughing
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