http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/07/remembering_apollo_11.html

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.

Even though she said she wouldn’t, Britain’s Got Talent’s Susan Boyle got a mini-makeover and she looks great.  It actually makes her look her age, which is 47.  She looked much older before.  Click here to check out before and after pictures.

It’s pretty cool to see the President’s actual tax return.  Click here to check it out.

You won’t believe all the free stuff on this website!  Everything from t-shirts to coffee mugs to shampoo to dog food and lots more.  Almost 30 categories to choose from and it’s no-cost and spam-free.  Click here to find out more!

The Panda Cam had been offline due to lack of funds…well it’s back!  Thanks to a generous gift from EarthCam, fans all over the world can continue to enjoy watching Zoo Atlanta’s giant pandas Xi Lan, Mei Lan, Lun Lun, and Yang Yang on PandaCam.  There’s nothing like watching pandas sleeping, eating and doing lots of other stuff.  The live stream will be broadcast Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Click here to see what they’re up to!

Britney’s kicked off the Circus Tour to good reviews…you can see a preview of the tour, partially sponsired by Candies by clicking here.

Stimulus and recovery and bail-outs and tax relief…you can track your tax dollars at work on this new government website.  President Obama promised you’d know where your money is being spent, and he meant it!  You can see where the money’s going…click here.

Thanks to Jeff Mac for being on the show.  He’ll answer your questions about your man and you can read more about “Manslations” on his website www.manslations.com

Think you can maneuver a plane as well as Sully Sullenberger?  Give it a try.  You can play Hero on the Hudson or Double Bird Strike to test your skill.

President Obama plans to get “this economy on trakc” and has announced that Vice-President Biden will lead a task force to improve life for middle class working families.  You can keep up to date on the new “Middle Class Task Force” at this website.

Did you miss a Super Bowl commercial…click here to see ‘em.

Take a walk down Super Bowl Commercials Memory Lane.  Click here to see some of the best commercials of all time.

If you want to see more you can see every mojor Super Bowl ad since 1998 and some favorites from this year at www.superbowl-ads.com

Spike.com’s 8th annual “Commercial Bowl” 2009 will offer the commercials almost immediately after they air on NBC and you can vote for your favorite .  Then they’ll feature the Top 10 Funniest and the Top 10 Sexiest.  They also have a library of past greats, too.  www.spike.com/superbowl

Did you hear about this guy who fell through the gap in the ski lift chair and his pants got caught and he ended up hanging upside down half naked?  Sounds like a bad joke doesn’t it?  Well, this guy had one heckuva day skiing in Vail.  Gives whole new meaning to the phrase “ski bum.”  Click here for pictures and a good laugh.

You, too, can throw shoes at President Bush…click here to play Sock and Awe.