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Swine Flu Prevention, Facts and Contamination

Signs and Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu

Oct 17, 2009 Scott Rupp

In spring of 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.

Since spring of 2009, several U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is at cdc.gov/swineflu.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu in People?

According to the the office of public health in Oregon, the symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How Does Swine Flu Spread?

The CDC has said in numerous news reports that 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 when infected people cough or sneeze. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How Do People With the Flu Infect Others?

Infected people can 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.

What Should I Do to Keep From Getting the Flu?

Here are some tips for staying swine flue free from the CDC: wash your hands, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

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 have symptoms and possibly for up to seven days after they become ill.

Children might 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 Swine Flu Viruses Live Outside the Body?

Some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

The copyright of the article Swine Flu Prevention, Facts and Contamination in General Medicine is owned by Scott Rupp. Permission to republish Swine Flu Prevention, Facts and Contamination in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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