Q&A on Swine Flu from U.S. Govt Ctr for Disease Control

I received these questions and answers today, and thought I'd share them about Swine Flu from the Center For Disease Control:
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.? Yes, NY, Ohio, Kansas, Texas, Delaware, Mass., California, possibly Maryland and others (IMAGE: Infection Map- not updated). UPDATE ON INFECTIONS at CDC's WEBSITE: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
What should I do if I get sick?
Stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu? There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough, sneeze, before eating or after touching objects that other people have touched. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Avoid public places or crowds if announced that swine flu is in your area. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
What should I do to keep from spreading flu to others?
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.


What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
More information can be found at the Center for Disease Control at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm