Swine flu is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs but is spread primarily from person to person.
Can humans be infected with swine influenza viruses?
Yes. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, sporadic human infections with influenza viruses that normally infect swine have occurred. When this happens, these viruses are called “variant viruses.” Most commonly, human infections with variant viruses have occurred in people exposed to infected pigs (e.g., children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of multiple persons becoming sick after exposure to one or more sick pigs. Also, cases of limited person-to-person spread of variant viruses have occurred.
Symptoms of swine flu
- Coughing
- lack of appetite
- lethargy
- sore throat
- eye irritation
- nausea
- runny nose
Reduce your risks of catching swine flue
- Wash your hands after touching the animals or their environment.
- No “hand to mouth” contact, such as eating, smoking and nail-biting after touching pigs.
- Use special caution if you are pregnant, elderly, have children under 6 or have an existing health condition.
Treating swine flu
Most cases of swine flu don’t require medication for treatment. You don’t need to see a doctor unless you’re at risk for developing medical complications from the flu. You should focus on relieving your symptoms and preventing the spread of the H1N1 to other people.
Two antiviral drugs are recommended for treating swine flu: the oral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Because flu viruses can develop resistance to these drugs, they’re often reserved for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu. People who are otherwise generally healthy and get swine flu will be able to fight the infection on their own.