What is the swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by influenza viruses. People do not generally get swine flu; however, human infections have been known to happen. The current swine flu virus can be spread from person-to-person. A person cannot get swine flu by eating pork.
Where has the swine flu been found?
A new influenza virus of swine origin, the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus (SIV), has caused at least 226 infections in the United States as of May 3, 2009. Two cases have been identified in Michigan. The majority of cases have been reported from Mexico, New York, Texas and California.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are fever, tiredness, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also may have a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How long is swine flu contagious?
People infected with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially contagious for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. People who continue to be ill longer than seven days after the onset of the illness should be considered potentially contagious until symptoms have resolved. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods. The duration of time a person is infectious might vary by swine influenza virus strain.
How is swine flu spread?
Swine flu is spread through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. It is also spread by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.
What is St. John Health System doing in response to the swine flu outbreak?
- Staff is meticulously washing their hands to prevent the spread of infections.
- Our hospital is actively monitoring for patients who may be infected.
- Patients with flu-like symptoms are being placed in a private room and kept separate from other patients, as recommended by the CDC.
- We are keeping up-to-date on the latest recommendations from the CDC and what additional precautions might be recommended.
- Hospitals have been actively involved in planning for just such events for many years.
Our hope is this flu virus does not spread, but processes are in place to support our communities should an outbreak occur.
How is swine flu treated?
The CDC recommends the use of antiviral medications for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. For more information on the latest recommendations, go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm
How can patients help prevent the spread of swine flu?
- Ask caregivers and visitors to wash or sanitize their hands.
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue or their sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash or sanitize their own hands often.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- When discharged, stay home from work or school until recovered and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with
influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, immediately seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing
- bluish skin color
- not drinking enough fluids
- not waking up or not interacting
- being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough
- fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- sudden dizziness
- confusion
- severe or persistent vomiting
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