Have you heard about the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?  I’m sure by now you have.  It’s been all over the news.  As with most things, it’s best to have all of the facts before jumping to conclusions.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has done a great job of educating people with the facts of the swine flu.  Below are some of the highlights.  For more information, visit the Question and Answers section from the CDC website.

What is Swine Influenza?
The swine flu is a respiratory disease that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Infected pigs usually get really sick but rarely die. The first case of the swine flu was identified in a pig in 1930.  Swine flu is typically transmitted from pig to pig, but occasionally, the disease can be transmitted to a human. .

Symptoms
In humans, the swine flu is similar to that of the seasonal flu.  It can also include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How does swine flu spread?
The swine flu is not transmitted by eating pork or pork products!  People can become infected when they are in close proximity to an infected pig.  People can also transmit the swine flu to other people the same way the seasonal flu can spread (through coughing or sneezing as well as touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose).

To date (as of May 1, 2009), in the United States, there has been 141 confirmed cases and one reported death due to the swine flu.  The CDC keeps an updated count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States.

Worldwide, the reports are as follows:  Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.  The following countries have reported confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).

How to prevent the spread
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! Additionally, the CDC recommends that people should:

• Stay informed. The CDC website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
•  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

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