In this audio, Dr. Joe Bresee, with the CDC Influenza Division, describes swine flu - its signs and symptoms, how it's transmitted, medicines to treat it, steps people can take to protect themselves from it, and what people should do if they become ill.
Questions & Answers
Source: CDC Swine Flu Page
What is swine flu?
Swine (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. Swine 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 there a vaccine for swine flu?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.
What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.
Are there human infections with H1N1 (swine flu) in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with Swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu (H1N1) virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (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.
How does H1N1 (swine flu) spread?
Spread of this Swine influenza A (H1N1) 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.
How can someone with the H1N1 (swine 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. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting H1N1 (swine flu)?
First and most important: wash your hands and use a hand sanitizer when in public. Try to stay in good general health. 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.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine flu)?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these Swine influenza (H1N1) viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread H1N1 (swine flu)to others?
People with Swine influenza virus (H1N1) infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. 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. It is recommeded to use a hand sanitizer throughout the day and Lysol wipes on your desk area and items (keyboard, mouse, phone, etc..)
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (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:
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
UPDATE (09/17/2009)
SouthWest United States continues to be the largest area hit, but now most of Florida, the upper Atlatic East Coast and around Lake Michican are being hit strongly with the H1N1 (Swine Flue) MAP
UPDATE (6/17/2009): SouthWest United States hit Hard with H1N1 (Swine Flu) MAP
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting H1N1 (swine flu)?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water.
or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where Swine influenza (H1N1) 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:
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine flu) in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of H1N1 (swine flu) were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get H1N1 swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
What Forumulations does the H1N1 come in?
Last week US FDA lowered the licensure age of the H1N1 vaccines made by the Australian manufacturer CSL to 6 months and older. This may assist you in vaccinating children with current limited supplies.
CSL H1N1 vaccine comes in two formulations:
• 0.50 mL pre-filled syringes contain a dose appropriate for persons 3 years (36 months) and older.
• Multi-dose vials can provide a 0.25 ml dose for children 6-35 months of age or a 0.5 ml dose for persons 36 months and older.
Please note that the supply kits that are provided for multidose vials are based on the use of 0.50 ml doses. If providers choose to administer 0.25 ml doses of any multi-dose vial formulation to children aged 6-35 months, their kits will not contain enough needle/syringe units, alcohol pads, vaccination record cards and sharps containers. Providers are required to use their own ancillary supplies to make up the difference. They may also need to print out additional shot cards from the CDC website
October 30, 2009 There have been a REPORTED 2,916 Deaths and a total of 25,985 Hospitalizations across the United States cities to date. (source: CDC)
September 08, 2009 There have been a REPORTED 364 Deaths and a total of 4.569 Hospitalizations in over 122 US cities to date. (source: CDC)
June 16, 2009 There have been a REPORTED 44 Deaths and a total of 17,855 cases in the United States (source: CDC)
Get the CDC "What you need to know" sheet.