Swine Flu FAQ

We've all heard about the swine flu pandemic, and the concern related to it, but not much has been said about swine flu symptoms, and how they differ from regular seasonal flu symptoms. Here is a list of questions and answers provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

It's called the swine flu, so how can humans catch it?

Back in 1918, the swine flu mutated into the Spanish flu, which started spreading from pigs to humans, and then through human-to-human contact. In 1976, soldiers from Fort Dix, New Jersey, had contacted a similar strain of the swine flu despite no contact with pigs. Today, while pigs can pass the flu on to humans, human-to-human contact is what's causing the current pandemic.

How can I tell if I have the swine influenza, or the regular flu?

Swine Influenza has the same symptoms as regular seasonal flu, including fever, aching joints, coughing, sinus problems and a feeling of general malaise. Your doctor will perform a test on your nasal excretions, and draw blood to tell which strain of the flu virus you have.

Is there a vaccine?

No. Previous swine flu vaccinations were ineffective in children, and caused deaths in the elderly population, so at this time, no vaccine has been approved by the government.

Does the seasonal flu shot keep the swine flu away?

No.

If I catch swine flu, are there medicines that can help?

Yes. Doctors are prescribing the anti-viral/anti-flu drugs Zanamivir and Seltamivir. According to the CDC, most cases of swine flu will clear up on its own.

Can the swine flu be caught through eating pork products?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, no. Cooking pork meat to 160°F, the normal recommended temperature, will effectively kill off any swine flu that is present.

How can I protect myself and my family?

The best way to protect yourself and your family from contracting the swine flu virus is to limit your travel, and avoid travelling to Mexico and states bordering Mexico. If you must travel to Mexico or infected states, be sure to wear a mask and practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently.

Keep safe locally by washing your hands frequently and avoiding anyone showing flu-like symptoms. Keep a bottle of hand-sanitizer close by for when you go into public areas like grocery stores or public bathrooms. If you start noticing flu symptoms, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Sources:

http://www.who.int/csr/swine_flu/swine_flu_faq.pdf

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090427-201664/Swine-flu-symptoms-diagnosis-prevention