Swine flu Influenza

Influenza A (H1N1)

What is Swine Flu

• Respiratory disease of pigs• Caused by type A influenza viruses• Causes regular outbreaks in pigs• People do not normally get swine flu• Human infection can happen• Swine flu viruses have been reported to

spread from person to person

Background

• In late March and early April 2009, Human cases were reported having the swine flu virus

• 1st report / cases in Southern California, San Antonia, Texas and other US states.

• Other cases internationally were reported as well

Is the Swine flu virus contagious?

• Swine flu influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious

• Spreads from human to human• Its not known how easily the virus spreads

between people

Signs & Symptoms

• Similar to regular human flu – fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

• However nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are also common

• In the past severe pneumonia and respiratory failure and deaths has been reported in people

• Like seasonal flu swine flu cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions e. g diabetes etc

How does Swine flu spread?

• Similar to seasonal flu, (airborne)• Sometimes people may become infected by

touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their nose or mouth.

• Infected people can infect others from day 1 up to day 7

Prevention measures

• 1st and most important -Wash hands• Stay in good general health• Get enough sleep, physically active, manage

your stress, drink plenty fluids, eat nutritious food etc

• Do not touch surfaces contaminated with flu virus

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Medication

• Oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment and prevention of infection.

• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against reproducing in your body.

• Treatment prevent serious complications• Treatment to be started within 2 days of

symptoms

Infectious Timeframe

• As long as symptoms are present• Follow illness onset up to 7 days• Children might be potentially contagious for

longer periods

Sources of contamination

• Touching from infected areas to other areas• Airborne through Droplet from cough,

sneezing of infected person• Germs can spread when touching respiratory

droplets from person to surface areas

Live span of Virus

• Two hours or longer on surfaces e. g cafeteria tables, desks, tables door knobs

• Frequent hand washing will help

Protection of self

• No vaccine available• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when

coughing, sneezing• Discard tissue in bin after use • Wash hands often esp. after coughing and

sneezing• Use Alcohol based hand cleaners• Avoid touching eyes, nose or the mouth

Protection cont.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people• Stay home from work or school

What to do when getting sick

• If you have any symptoms, contact your doctor or hospital or clinic

• If diagnosed with swine flu stay home in isolation for 7 days

• Emergency medical signs for children– fast breathing, or troubled breathing, bluish skin colour, Not drinking enough fluids

• Not waking up or interacting

Cont.

• Being irritable that a child does not want to be held• Flu like symptoms improve, but return with fever and

worse cough• Fever with a rash• Medical signs –Adults:– Difficult breathing or shortness of breath– Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen– Sudden dizziness– Confusion– Severe or persistent vomiting

Can one get swine flu from eating pork

• NO• Not spread by food• Eating properly handled and cooked pork

products is safe