What is human swine flu (influenza A/H1N1? Swine flu symptoms
May 7, 2009 -- With swine flu dominating local and international headlines, it's easy to understand how panic may set in. But should you be worried? Here's what you need to know about human swine flu before restricting your movements and swearing off pork.
1. Human swine flu is a respiratory disease
You can get human swine flu by breathing in droplets expelled from coughing or sneezing or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes or mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, the World Health Organization has stated that people can't get the virus by eating pork and pork products. Cooking meats to a core temperature of 70C/160F will kill any virus in the raw meat. Even so, the organization does warn against processing or consuming any meat from sick pigs or pigs found dead.
It's still unknown whether certain groups of people are more susceptible to human swine flu than others and how deadly the strain is. The spread appears to have slowed, the cases outside of Mexico have been considered mild, and initial studies of the virus's genetic makeup by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control indicate that it does not have the particular mutation that has made history's pandemics so deadly. Health experts expect to see fewer cases as flu season abates in the northern hemisphere, but that doesn't mean it won't return in the fall -- flu viruses are unpredictable.
2. Human swine flu produces flu-like symptoms
You may have swine flu if you experience a high fever, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle ache, joint pain, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Keep in mind these symptoms are similar to seasonal flu.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, the WHO urges you to stay home, get some rest, drink lots of water, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing and sneezing or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow and wash your hands immediately with soap and water or antibacterial gel. Tell friends and family of your illness and avoid contact, wear a mask properly if you are around others, and speak to your doctor or health professional before going to a clinic, hospital or doctor's office.
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