Egads! What is it? How do you get it? What are the symptoms? How is it treated?

What is it?
Swine (H1N1) flu is a respiratory disease caused by an influenza type A virus that typically occurs in pigs and occasionally in people. Swine flu virus was first identified in 1930. Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses are constantly changing. When influenza viruses from different species such as birds or people infect another species such as pigs, the viruses can swap genes and form new viruses. Over the years, different types of swine flu viruses have been identified. Currently there are four main influenza type A viruses: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. The current outbreak of swine flu is being caused by H1N1.

How do you get it?
Flu viruses are typically spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. People can also become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. H1N1 is an air-borne virus not a food-borne virus, so there is no need to restrict what you eat.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of swine flu include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and cough. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How is it treated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of antiretroviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir. 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).

Can babies get infected through breastfeeding?
No one knows if the swine influenza (H1N1) virus can be transferred through breastmilk. However, once a mother tests positive for swine flu, her breastfed (or formula-fed) baby has already been exposed, so separating mothers and babies offers no advantage, unless the mother is quite ill and the baby tests negative for the virus. You can reduce the risk of breastfed babies getting ill, by encouraging mothers to continue breastfeeding. Mothers who are ill and coughing should wash their hands often and consider wearing a mask.

What can you do to stay healthy?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Avoid large crowds and close contact with individuals who are sick.

• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to prevent the spread of infection and contact your doctor right away.

For more information visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.