About Swine Flu
Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one
of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked. Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1, H1N2, H2N3, H3N1, and H3N2. In pigs, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2) are the most common strains worldwide.
How to Prevent Swine Flu
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through droplets created while coughing or sneezing by a person infected with swine flu. Infected person may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.
v Stay home whenever possible. Ask your support team to get groceries, walk your dog, bring work home from the office, or whatever else you can delegate.
v If you develop a fever of 100.5F or higher, call your doctor right away (day or night) and start drinking plenty of fluids. Stay well hydrated and get a diagnosis and treatment for whatever is causing your fever.
v If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then toss it out. No tissues handy? Turn your face into the crook of your elbow, to keep germs from flying away.
v Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol sanitizer - this will kill most germs.
v Avoid people who have a fever, cough, or sneezing, or complain of any flu-like symptoms
v If you feel like you are developing flu symptoms, don't wait to see if it will just go away. Call your doctor or nurse practitioner and ask for advice or an appointment.
v Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.