Posted by: Dennis Hinkamp on May 1, 2009
Q & A On Swine Flu
ASK A SPECIALIST: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT SWINE FLU
By: Darlene Christensen, Utah State University Extension agent, Tooele County, with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
Kerry Rood, Utah State University Extension veterinarian, with information from the United States Department of Agriculture
There is cause for concern about swine flu, but not cause for alarm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working closely with officials in states where human cases of swine flu have been reported as well as with health officials from Mexico. The question most people want answered is: how will all this affect me? Consider the information below. For additional, up-to-date information, go to: http://cdc.gov/swineflu.
Question: What is swine influenza?
Answer: Swine influenza (or swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs. It is caused by type A influenza and causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and have occurred. The new strain of flu consists of a mixture of genetic material from swine, avian and human influenza viruses.
Question: Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
Answer: 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.
Question: Do swine in the United States have the virus that has infected humans?
Answer: There is no evidence at this time that the swine in our country are infected with this virus strain.
Question: Is the USDA testing and monitoring to make sure swine are not infected with the virus?
Answer: A network of federal veterinarians, state animal health officials and private practitioners are regularly involved with monitoring swine for signs of significant disease. To date, there have been no reports that the virus causing illness in humans is circulating anywhere in the U.S. swine herd. USDA has put U.S. pork producers on a high alert for safety.
Question: Can you get this flu from being around or touching swine?
Answer: The CDC reports that the spread of swine flu can occur through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses and through contact with a person who has swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread when infected people cough or sneeze.
Question: What can I do to keep from getting the flu?
Answer: First and most importantly ? wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active and manage your stress. Also, 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.
Question: How can I prevent the spreading of germs?
Answer: When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or sneeze and cough into your sleeve. Do not use your hands. Throw away the tissue after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread quickly this way. Avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control recommends you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Question: How serious is swine flu infection?
Answer: Just like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary from mild to severe. Between 2005 and January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were reported in the United States with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. Take precautions to prevent infection and seek medical attention if infected.
Question: Should I be panicked about swine flu?
Answer: No. There is cause for concern but not for alarm. If you are planning to travel to Mexico, it is recommended you cancel your plans at this time. Mexico is dealing with a great number of cases that have caused deaths. Keep up to date on the most current news about swine flu and follow the above precautions.
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Direct column topics to Julene Reese, Utah State University Extension writer,
Logan, Utah, 84322-4900, 435-797-0810; julener@ext.usu.edu
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