What you should know about the swine flu

What is the Swine Flu/H1N1 virus Flu?

Respiratory Disease caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but infections can happen. CDC has determined that it is contagious and can spread from human to human. It is not spread by food. You cannot get swine virus from eating pork.

Signs and symptoms of swine flu in people:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Body aches

• Headaches

• Chills

• Fatigue

Ways to prevent getting the flu:

• Wash your hands with soap and water 15 to 20 seconds

• Stay in good general health

• Get plenty of sleep

• Be physically active

• Manage your stress

• Drink plenty of liquids

• Eat nutritious foods

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

• If you get sick, stay home from school or work

Antiviral Medications to treat flu:

• Oseltamivir

• Zanamivir

• Amantadine

• Rimantadine

Confirmed cases:

66 in the United States, including 11 in California; 14 in New Zealand; 13 in Canada, two in Scotland; two in Spain; and two in Israel. There are 159 suspected deaths in Mexico, 26 confirmed as resulting from swine flu.

Resources:

Center of Disease Control

World Health Organization

New York Times article

San Francisco Chronicle

USA Today