SWINE FLU: Fast facts

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta have determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal human flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways: Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses; through contact with a person with swine flu.

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to seven days after illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

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

Everyday prevention measures include: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Symptoms in children include fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held; flulike symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, and fever with a rash,

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting.

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.

Ohio Department of Health has established a toll-free information line at (866) 800-1404, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Ohio Department of Health