SWINE FLU FACT SHEET
(H1N1 Virus)
DEERFIELD BOH
30 APRIL 2009
Phone: 413-665-1400 Fax: 413-665-1411
***CAUTION: Guidance on swine flu is constantly changing. Always check the resources mentioned below first as what’s true today may not be true tomorrow. Practices like proper hand-washing, social distancing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing will not change.***
Q: What’s the best source for updates and new information on swine flu?
A: www.mass.gov/dph and www.cdc.gov/swineflu are excellent recommended resources. They are the most accurate and dependable. Massachusetts has also set up an answer line for residents with basic information on swine flu. It can be reached by dialing “211” on your phone.
Q: How is swine flu transmitted?
A: It can be transmitted person-to-person mainly through coughing and sneezing. You can also pick up the virus from a surface that is contaminated with the virus.
Q: How long is someone contagious with swine flu?
A: Being contagious means that you can spread the flu to another person. Scientists, in general, believe that persons are contagious 1 day before symptoms (fever, coughing, sneezing, aches, sore throat, fatigue) and 7 days after becoming sick. This contagiousness period may possibly be longer than 7 days if a person is still showing symptoms. Also, please note that children may be able to spread the flu even after this seven day period.
Q: Does my doctor have vaccine to give me and my family?
A: The short answer is no or not yet. It takes many months to produce vaccine for the flu. Since this is a new strain of flu our current flu vaccines will not offer significant protection against swine flu.
Q: Does the flu shot I received this past winter protect me?
A: Scientists believe that past vaccine may offer some level of protection against this new strain. However, how much and to what degree is not known. Those receiving the swine flu vaccine in 1976 may have some residual resistance to this current strain but whether this is so and how much protection is unknown.
Q: Will pigs give me swine flu and is it safe to eat pork?
A: Swine flu has existed in North American pig populations for many years. This longstanding common swine flu is different from the swine flu that is currently making the headlines. It is only very recently (last few months) that swine flu has crossed over into human populations in a significant way. CDC/WHO/DPH are all saying that it is okay to eat pork that is adequately cooked.
Q: Is there any treatment for swine flu?
A: As stated previously there is no current vaccine. However, this strain appears to be susceptible to specific anti-viral medications.
Q: How concerned should I be about the health threat to me and my family?
A: The main concern in this country is the possibility that swine flu could develop into a virulent strain of flu. As of 4/30/09 the World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 swine influenza to be highly contagious (easily spread from person to person) and has given it Pandemic Phase 5 status. This means that a pandemic (infectious disease condition spreading throughout the world) is imminent. The severity of symptoms in terms of severe illness and death has been much more evident in Mexico than in other places so far. Scientists are unsure whether the swine flu will be as severe in this country as it has been in Mexico. The level of severity depends on many still unknown factors. It could be worse than Mexico, the same, less severe…we simply do not yet know. As doctors and scientists learn more about this disease they will be able to give more specific predictions about health impacts. Updates on virulence are occurring all the time.
Q: What can I do to protect the health of me and my family?
A: Insist on frequent and effective hand-washing (20 seconds or so, very vigorous). Social distancing, i.e., staying at least 6 feet away from folks suspected of being sick, is very important. Sneeze into your elbow or tissues for coughing and sneezing. Wash hands after disposing of tissue. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. See your doctor if you are feeling ill. Stay home if you are sick. Maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits to boost your immune system.
