What you should know about Swine Flu

Swine influenza viruses were first isolated in the United States in 1930. The clinical symptoms of influenza in pigs and people are remarkably similar and the viruses can be transmitted directly from pigs to people.

Why many health professionals are concerned?
The virus is easily spread from human to human
The virus is mutating quickly, making it unpredictable

What are the typical signs of the sickness?
High fever, severe body aches, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, cough, runny and stuffy nose, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin colour
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In young children, warning signs include fast or troubled breathing, a bluish skin tone and irritability.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficult breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

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 for at least 15 – 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. They are available at all supermarkets and pharmacies.

How is the virus passed on between people?
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, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long are you contagious for?
A period of seven days.