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Swine Flu Slideshow
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What is swine flu?
Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu doesn't often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak is different.
What are swine flu symptoms?
Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Those symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, and that means that you and your doctor can't know, just based on your symptoms, if you've got swine flu. It takes a lab test to tell whether it's swine flu or some other condition.
When should I see my doctor?
That's a judgment call you would have to make if you feel like you've got the flu. But if you've got flu symptoms, and you've recently been to a high-risk area like Mexico, CDC officials recommend that you see your doctor. Keep in mind that your doctor will not be able to determine whether you have swine flu, but he would take a sample from you and send it to a state health department lab for testing to see if it's swine flu. If your doctor suspects swine flu, he would be able to write you a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza.
How does swine flu spread?
The new swine flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. You could pick up germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection. That's why you should make a habit of washing your hands, even when you're not ill. Flu germs can start spreading up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.
How many people have swine flu?
That's a hard question to answer, because the figure is changing so quickly. If you want to keep track of U.S. cases that have been confirmed by lab tests and reported to the CDC, check the CDC's web site. If you're looking for cases in other countries, visit the World Health Organization's web site. And, when you hear about large numbers of people who are ill, remember that lab tests may not yet have been done to confirm that they have swine flu. And, there may be a little lag time before confirmed cases make it into the official tally.
How is swine flu treated?
The new swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not everyone needs those drugs; many of the first people in the U.S. with lab-confirmed swine flu recovered without treatment. The Department of Homeland Security has released 25% of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to states. Health officials have asked people not to hoard Tamiflu or Relenza.
Is there a swine flu vaccine for people?
No. But the CDC and WHO are already taking the first steps toward making such a vaccine. That's a lengthy process — it takes months. This year's flu vaccine wasn't made with this swine flu virus in mind; no one saw this virus coming ahead of time. If you got vaccinated against flu last fall or winter, that vaccination will go a long way toward protecting you against certain human flu virus strains. But the new swine flu virus is a whole other problem.
How severe is swine flu?
The severity of cases in the current swine flu outbreak has varied widely. In Mexico, there have been deaths and other severe cases. Early cases in the U.S. have been mild. But that could change. The virus itself could change, either becoming more or less dangerous. Scientists are watching closely to see which way the new swine flu virus is heading — but health experts warn that flu viruses are notoriously hard to predict, as far as how and when they'll change.
How can I prevent swine flu infection?
The CDC recommends taking these steps:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Got flu symptoms? Stay home, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Should I cancel my trip to Mexico?
The CDC advises against "non-essential" travel to Mexico. The World Health Organization does not recommend any travel restrictions but says it would be prudent for people who are ill not to travel anywhere and for travelers to any part of the world who get sick to seek medical attention.
What else should I be doing?
Keep informed of what's going on in your community. Your state and local health departments may have important information if swine flu develops in your area. For instance, parents might want to consider what they would do if their child's school temporarily closed because of flu. That happened in New York City, where St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens closed for a couple of days after eight students were found to have swine flu. Don't panic, but a little planning wouldn't hurt.
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Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on April 27, 2009
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REFERENCES:
WebMD Health News: "Swine Flu FAQ." http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20090421/swine-flu-faq
CDC: "Questions and Answers: Swine Flu and You." http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
Anne Schuchat, MD, interim deputy director for science and public health program, CDC.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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