Information on Swine Influenza

The following infromation can also be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
*It is important to continue to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website as it is updated often.

What are the signs and symptoms of Swine Flu in people?
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu. They include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue

In addition, some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

In the past, severe illnesses (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What can I do to protect myself 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 flu. 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 warm water for at least 15 to 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers 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 flu, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Other Helpful Links:
Virginia Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention