Human Swine Influenza A (H1N1)

What is the Human Swine Flu?

This is an illness currently sweeping the world, caused by a virus that is new and unique. Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is normally found in pigs. There are many such viruses and they rarely infect humans. This new H1N1 Type A virus has developed the ability to infect people and be transmitted from person to person. Like other respiratory diseases, it is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. Although this new virus is called "swine flu" it is not transmitted from eating pork products.

Signs and symptoms of swine flu

Human symptoms for this new type of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu that happens every year. These include:

Fever
Cough and sore throat
Runny nose
Body aches
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Some people have also experienced: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

How does swine flu spread?

Swine flu is thought to spread the same way the seasonal flu spreads, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with the flu. It may also be spread by touching something with the flu virus on it then touching your mouth or nose.

How to avoid getting sick

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. Take actions to prevent the spread of germs that cause flu:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; or cough into your elbow. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick: STAY HOME and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
There is no need to get tested for swine flu unless you are currently ill with flu symptoms.
Disinfect commonly used surfaces with an alcohol or chlorine-based disinfectant often.

Contact Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department if you have questions at 253 798-6500 or email us at info@tpchd.org.

Last Updated: Sep 18, 2009 11:28 AM