Swine Flu

Swine Flu Advisory
If You Develop These Symptoms
Help Yourself and Others Stay Healthy
For More Information...
More Questions and Answers about the Swine Flu

The federal government has declared a Public Health Emergency due to an increasing number of swine flu cases being reported worldwide and in this country.

What is swine flu?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is caused by Type A Influenza (H1N1) and is a respiratory disease of pigs. It is usually spread among swine, but it can be transmitted from swine to humans. It is believed that recent cases represent human-human transmission. However, it is not known how easily the virus spreads from person to person.

Swine flu is not spread by food and people are not at risk from eating properly cooked and handled pork and pork products.

What Are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are very similar to the symptoms of generally associated with human seasonal flu and include:

• fever
• chills
• lethargy
• lack of appetite
• and coughing

• Check your temperature
• Call the Student Health Clinic Appointment Line at 605-688-4157 to make arrangements to be examined by a health care provider

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. However, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza, such as:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick or are known to be sick
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough; immediately throw the issue in the trash. If no tissue is readily available, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your arm.
• Wash your hands thoroughly often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work effectively as a temporary measure
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs
• Practice healthy behaviors, such as getting sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a nutritious, balanced diet

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• South Dakota Department of Health
• Be Ready Brookings

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. At this time there are two drugs recommended for treatment: Tamiflu and Relenza. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started within two days of displaying symptoms.

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. When you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.