SWINE FLU Q&A
What is Swine flu?
Swine influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract in pigs. The mortality in pigs is low and recovery usually occurs within 7-10 days. Swine influenza viruses have also been detected in wild birds, poultry, horses and humans. In the US there is an active swine influenza surveillance programme to monitor pig viruses as they see more diversity in viruses than in any other country.
Why is it affecting humans?
Infection with swine influenza virus has been detected occasionally in humans since the 1950s and human disease is usually clinically similar to disease caused by infections with human influenza viruses. Cases of swine influenza in humans have, in the past, usually occured after a history of exposure to pigs, i.e. direct or close contact with infected pigs.
Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
For how long will I be infectious?
People are most infectious to others soon after they develop symptoms, although they may continue to shed the virus (for example, in coughs and sneezes) for up to five days (seven days in children).
People become less infectious as their symptoms subside, and once their symptoms are gone, they are no longer considered infectious to others.
What treatment is available?
Antiviral drugs are available to treat influenza. They reduce the length of symptoms and usually their severity. Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antiviral oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
What measures can I take to prevent infection?
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
- Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Making sure your children follow this advice.
