What is Swine (H1N1) Flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Swine flu virus regularly causes outbreaks in pigs but rarely affects humans. Occasionally there have been human infections of swine flu and in this current situation there is evidence of person-to-person transmission. 

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

• Temperature of 101.4 degrees F or higher
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Head ache
• Trouble breathing
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting

Why should you be concerned?

The swine flu is a new flu virus and people have little or no immunity. If this new flu virus begins to spread easily person-to-person, it could sweep across the country and around the world in a very short time. This would cause an influenza pandemic.

At this time, we do not know how serious it will be or how long it will last. As more people become infected, the risk of exposure to the public becomes greater.

What should I do if I think I am sick?

• If you have a fever of 101.4°F or higher and one of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or medical provider. Your doctor may have you come in for an appointment and test you for influenza. Your physician will decide whether influenza antiviral treatment is needed.

• If you’re sick – stay home from work or school. It is important to limit contact with other people, so you don’t spread germs to others.

• If you have flu symptoms and need to go to a medical appointment, use a surgical mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

• If you are feeling sick and you don’t have a fever, its best to stay home from work or school, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your symptoms get worse, call your physician or medical provider.

What can I do to prevent getting sick?

• Wash your hands with soap and hot water to get rid of germs and prevent the spread of disease, especially after coughing and sneezing. If you do not have soap and water, use a waterless hand gel with an alcohol base of at least 60%.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you sneeze and cough. Throw the tissue away in a waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the fold of your elbow, without using your hands.

• Avoid kissing or shaking hands when greeting people, and do not share food, drinks or utensils.

• Keep common areas clean; places such as kitchen counters, bathrooms, door handles, toys, telephones and other household ítems.

• Allow fresh air to flow into your home or at work by opening screened windows and doors.

For more information: Swine flu information has been posted to the Public Health Department Web site: 

www.smhealth.org/swineflu  The Public Health Information Line at flu hotline (650) 573-3927 is available to answer questions from San Mateo County residents during regular business hours.

Information is also available on the following websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_003

http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/phd/

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/antiviral_swine.htm