April 25, 2009 — Swine flu has killed at least 20 people in Mexico and sickened at least eight people in the U.S., and the CDC expects more U.S. cases as the hunt for swine flu intensifies.The eight confirmed U.S. cases are located in San Antonio, Texas, and California’s San Diego County and Imperial County. Others will probably be found elsewhere, notes Anne Schuchat, MD, the CDC’s interim deputy director for science and public health program.
Swine Flu FAQ
The swine flu virus in the U.S. is the same one causing a deadly epidemic in Mexico. What is swine flu? What can we do about it? WebMD answers your questions.
What Is Swine Flu?
Like humans, pigs get the flu. Four different type A swine flu strains commonly circulate among pigs. Most recent swine flu viruses have belonged to the H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes. Pigs typically get sick but usually don’t die from swine flu.
The new swine flu virus infecting humans is very unusual. It’s somehow acquired genes from swine, bird, and human flu bugs. And it’s also got genes from Eurasian swine flu viruses that aren’t supposed to be in North America.
Do Humans Get Swine Flu?
Normally, swine flu bugs don’t infect people. Historically, there’s a case every year or two in the U.S. among people who have contact with live pigs.
But from December 2005 to January 2009 there was an uptick in swine flu cases. There were 12 human swine flu infections during this time. Eleven of these people had direct or indirect contact with pigs; in the twelfth case it was not known whether there was pig contact.
It’s possible this uptick was due to improved reporting systems, but the CDC says “genetic changes in swine flu viruses and other factors might also be a factor.”
The new swine flu virus is different. It’s not yet clear that it’s here to stay. But it is infecting humans, and that has world health officials keeping a close eye on it.
What Are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?
Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular flu symptoms and include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. Some patients have also reported nausea and diarrhea. There is no easy way to distinguish swine flu from other types of flu or other germs. It takes a lab test to tell whether it’s swine flu.
Can Swine Flu Spread From Person to Person?
The U.S. residents infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs. The CDC says it’s likely that the infections represent widely separated cycles of human-to-human infections.
Q. How do I protect myself and my family?
A. Scientists can’t say for sure, but in general, flu viruses spread through uncovered coughs and sneezes – or by touching your mouth or nose with unwashed hands. Flu viruses can live on surfaces for several hours – like a doorknob or desk.
Q. I’ve seen people on TV wearing face masks. Do I need one?
A. The CDC says there’s not good evidence that masks really help. It’s safer just to avoid close contact with someone who’s sick and avoid crowded gatherings in places where swine flu is known to be spreading. The CDC does say there is no harm in wearing a mask.
Q. Is swine flu treatable?
A. Yes, with Tamiflu or Relenza, but not with older flu medications.
Q. Should I start taking Tamiflu as a precaution?
A. No. Overusing antiviral drugs can help germs become resistant to them.
Q. How big is my risk?
A. For most of us, very low. Outside of Mexico, clusters of illnesses seem related to Mexican travel.
Q. Should I cancel my trip to Mexico?
A. The U.S. issued a travel advisory yesterday discouraging nonessential travel to Mexico.
Q. How do I know if I should see my doctor? Maybe my symptoms are from pollen.
A. Health authorities say if you live in an area where swine flu cases have been confirmed, or you have recently traveled to Mexico, and you have flu-like symptoms. Go to the doctor, just to be safe.
Q. Is there a vaccine to prevent this new infection?
A. No. If you got a flu shot last winter, it’s not likely it will prevent swine flu.
Q. How long would it take to produce a vaccine?
A. The CDC says a few months, but the government has decided yet if it’s widespread enough to start making it.
Q. Is it safe to eat pork?
A. Yes. Swine influenza doesn’t spread through food.
Have There Been Previous Swine Flu Outbreaks?
If swine flu sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because you remember or have read about the 1976 swine flu outbreak at Fort Dix, N.J., among military recruits. It lasted about a month and then went away as mysteriously as it appeared. As many as 240 people were infected; one died.
Here are the CDC’s tips for limiting your risk of catching the swine flu virus:
- 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.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
