Nickname: Swine Flu Virus

Signs & Symptoms: Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Humans do not normally get swine flu but human infections can and do occur causing fever, cough and sore throat, headache, body aches, and chills. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting, too.

Spread: Spread of the H1N1 virus occurs in the same way that seasonal influenza viruses are spread – through coughing and sneezing by humans already infected with the virus. You can also pick up the virus by touching things that are contaminated with the virus (like used tissues, desks, doorknobs, or computer keyboards) or shaking hands with an infected person who has not washed after coughing or sneezing into his/her hands. The H1N1 virus is not spread by food so you cannot get it from eating pork or pork products.

Who is at risk: Pigs, especially. Now, humans around the globe are at risk of this infection with the recent pandemic of H1N1 Influenza. Like seasonal influenza, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying medical conditions.

Prevention: Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Keep your unwashed hands and fingers out of your eyes, nose and mouth. Keep yourself healthy: get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious food. Stay away from people with obvious respiratory illnesses. If someone is sick with cold or flu in your family, avoid kissing them or sharing personal items like, soda cans, dishes, silverware. Always attempt to cover your mouth when coughing and cover your nose
and mouth when sneezing – use a tissue or even your sleeve.

“I fly through the air with the greatest of ease, so,
cover your cough and, please, cover that sneeze!”