The CDC epidemiologist expert Joseph Bresee, describes how to recognize the signs and symptoms of swine flu including how swine flu is transmitted, appropriate medicines for treatment and steps to take to prevent or treat illness.
What is Swine Flu:
- Is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.
Pig Flu Symptoms
- Fever
- cough
- Sore throat
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
Pig Flu Transmission:
- Pigs to human, transmitted from porcine animals to humans
- Human to human; in the case of this outbreak this is happening
Medicines for Treating Pig Flu:
- CDC recommends antiviral drugs, Relenza (Zanamivir) or Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) for the treatment of influenza infections within two days of symptoms; they help stop the virus reproduction cycle. There is NO vaccine that is proven effective against H1N1 flu (swine flu).
Precautions to prevent spread of Influenza
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing
- Throw tissues into trash
- Wash hands often with soap and water (specially if you cough or sneeze)
- Limit contact with infected people
- Avoid touching mouth, nose or eyes
If you think you have Pig Flu (swine flu)
- Seek emergency medical care immediately
- Stay home after you have received medical care
