Apr 28, 09 | Posted by: Kristin Bencik Boudreau, D.O.

Swine Flu- What We Know So Far

Swine Flu, or Influenza A Type H1N1, has stormed into our world. As of today, it has killed 149 people in Mexico and infected thousands. There are currently 5 states with  40 confirmed cases, and 8 others (including Wisconsin) with probable cases. Why is it so bad? Swine Flu is a new virus to humans, so we have no inherent immunity to it. Prior vaccinations to influenza will not provide any protection from disease.

What is Swine Flu, and how did it get here?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Influenza A that regularly causes outbreaks in pigs. It is now apparent that the disease has been transferred from pigs to humans, and now from humans to humans.

What are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?

The symptoms are the same as the Influenza A we commonly see every year. These include fever > 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Some affected patients are also having vomiting and diarrhea. Serious illness is caused by pneumonia and respiratory failure.

How is Swine Flu Spread?

It is spread through respiratory droplets from someone infected with the Swine Flu. This is done through direct contact by coughing or sneezing, or by touching something that someone coughed on then touching your mouth or nose.

How Long is Someone Contagious?

People infected with Swine Flu are contagious from one day prior to illness to as long as they are symptomatic

Who is most at Risk?

People most at risk are anyone who has traveled to Mexico in the last week, or anyone who has contact with someone who traveled to Mexico and are currently ill.

Is there a Treatment?

Yes. Currently two antivirals have been shown to be effective- osteltamivir and zanamivir. These drugs help shorten the course of illness and can help cause milder disease. They need to be started within 2 days of symptoms. The mainstay of Swine Flu treatment is symptomatic- push fluids, lots of rest.

Can I get the treatment to have for “just in case”?

At this time, patients need to show symptoms of disease or have direct contact with someone known to have Swine Flu before the medications will be prescribed. This is to protect our supply of the medicines for patients that truly are infected with Swine Flu, and also to prevent mutation of the virus from drug overuse.

How Can I Protect Myself?

GOOD HANDWASHING!!! Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Try to avoid contact with sick people.

How Can We Prevent Transmission to others?

It you are sick, stay home. Do not go to work or school. Cough or sneeze into a tissue then throw it away. Wash you hands often.  Click here for CDC guidance on taking care of a sick person in your home. 

How is it Diagnosed?

A nasel and throat swab are taken and will be sent to the state lab in Madison for all suspected cases of Swine Flu.

What should I do if I think I have Swine Flu?

If you have recently traveled to Mexico or have had contact with someone who did and you now have the above symptoms, please call your doctor immediately. DO NOT just go to the office or ER- this can spread the virus to others. Your doctor will determine the best way to diagnose you, and also discuss treatment options.

Can I get swine flu form eating pork?

No. It is a respiratory spread virus- it is not spread by food,

How worried should I be about Swine Flu?

Like regular Influenza, Swine Flu can vary in severity from mild to severe. At this time, careful handwashing and staying home if you are ill are the best things we can do to protect our community and ourselves. The next few weeks will indicate how serious of an outbreak this Swine Flu will become.

The information above provided primarily by the CDC.  For more infromation, please go to www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

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