Swine Flu: Facts for Families

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By: Robert W. Frenck Jr, MD, FAAP

What do COVID-19, Lyme disease and influenza have in common? All are zoonotic infections typically found in animals—but they can spread to humans.

Pigs and birds are the two main animal hosts for influenza. Influenza virus infects the animal and reproduces in its cells. Swine flu in pigs causes symptoms that are similar to flu in humans: a respiratory infection that may include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Swine flu viruses spread year-round in pigs. But just like influenza in people, cases of swine flu usually occur more commonly in late fall and winter.

Infections with flu viruses that spread from pigs to people happen every year, often at agricultural fairs. In 2022, four cases of swine flu in people under age 18 years have been reported. Three infections involved the flu virus subtype h4N2v, and one case flu virus subtype h2N2v. This person infected with h2N2v flu did not have contact with pigs or attend a fair. All four people have recovered without needing hospital care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recent increase in swine flu reports suggest that there may be higher than usual exposure and infection this fair season.

Some people are at higher risk of serious illness from zoonotic diseases like swine flu:

• children younger than age 5 years;

• people with certain long-term health conditions like asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions;

• pregnant women and

• people age 65 years and older.

How does swine flu spread to people?

Rarely, swine flu spreads from pigs to people and on occasion, people can spread flu to pigs! Most commonly, infected pigs spread the virus to people who have direct or indirect contact with:

• pig saliva, urine, feces, blood other fluids,

• scratches and bites from a pig, or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water (for example, eating or drinking with unclean hands after touching a pig at a fair). However, if meat from pigs is handled and prepared properly, it is very unlikely to catch swine flu by eating pork.

Infections that spread to people often occur through close contact with infected pigs. For example, the virus has spread in pig barns and at livestock exhibits at fairs. The virus can spread through the air when infected pigs cough or sneeze. People also can get infected from droplets of infected pigs that land in their nose or mouth and if they breathe infected droplets in the air. The infection also can spread to a person if they touch a surface with virus on it and then touch their mouth or nose.

Most of the time, even if the varieties of flu found in birds and swine do infect a person, it is not common for those people to spread the virus to others. But if you are at high risk for zoonotic diseases such as swine flu and you plan to attend a fair where pigs are present, you should avoid direct contact with pigs or their barns.

What precautions can families take if they have contact with pigs?

People who have contact with pigs should follow precautions to avoid the spread of germs:

• Do not eat or drink or put anything in your mouth in pig barns or show arenas.

• Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, bottles, strollers or similar items into pig barns and show arenas. ­

• Make sure children wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel after touching pigs, corrals or fences, food and water dishes and other surfaces.

2009 swine flu pandemic: lessons learned

Swine flu from the influenza A virus has caused a pandemic in humans in the past. For example, in 2009, a new flu virus that was originally in swine was identified in California. It quickly spread throughout the country and the rest of the world.

All ages of people were infected. Children and young adults were at higher risk—possibly because they were less likely to have immunity from a past infection. To control the pandemic, the United States used effective strategies, including:

• Short-term school closure: 600,000 children from 980 schools were affected.

• Vaccination and antivirals: An h2N1 influenza vaccine and antiviral drugs (oseltamivir, peramivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir) were made available.

In total, 60 million people were infected, 274,000 were hospitalized and 12,469 died from the virus in the United States. It took a combination of public health measures to ease the pandemic. h2N1 viruses continue to circulate to this day.

More information

• Flu
• From Insects or Animals
• Diseases That Can Spread Between Animals and People (CDC)

Last Updated

8/24/2022

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2022)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatments

By Stephanie Watson

In this Article

• How Do You Catch It?
• Swine Flu Symptoms
• Are There Tests for Swine Flu?
• How Is It Treated?
• Is There a Vaccine for Swine Flu?

h2N1 flu is also known as swine flu. It’s called swine flu because in the past, the people who caught it had direct contact with pigs. That changed several years ago, when a new virus emerged that spread among people who hadn’t been near pigs.

In 2009, h2N1 was spreading fast around the world, so the World Health Organization called it a pandemic. Since then, people have continued to get sick from swine flu, but not as many.

While swine flu isn’t as scary as it seemed a few years ago, it’s still important to protect yourself from getting it. Like seasonal flu, it can cause more serious health problems for some people. The best bet is to get a flu vaccine, or flu shot, every year. Swine flu is one of the viruses included in the vaccine.

How Do You Catch It?

The same way as the seasonal flu. When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If you come in contact with these drops, touch a surface (like a doorknob or sink) where the drops landed, or touch something an infected person has recently touched, you can catch h2N1 swine flu.

People who have it can spread it one day before they have any symptoms and as many as 7 days after they get sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days.

Despite the name, you can’t catch swine flu from eating bacon, ham, or any other pork product.

Swine Flu Symptoms

These, too, are pretty much the same as seasonal flu. They can include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Like the regular flu, swine flu can lead to more serious problems including pneumonia, a lung infection, and other breathing problems. And it can make an illness like diabetes or asthma worse. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, severe vomiting, pain in your belly or sides, dizziness, or confusion, call your doctor or 911 right away.

Are There Tests for Swine Flu?

Yes. Without one it’s hard to tell whether you have swine flu or seasonal flu, because most symptoms are the same. If you have swine flu, you may be more likely to feel sick and your stomach and throw up than with regular flu. But a lab test is the only way to know. Even a rapid flu test you can get in your doctor’s office won’t tell you for sure.

To test for swine flu, your doctor runs a swab — a bigger version of the ones in your bathroom — up the inside of your nose around the back of your throat. But the test isn’t as common or widespread as those for regular flu. So the only people who really need to be tested are those in the hospital or those at high risk for life-threatening problems from swine flu, such as:

• Children under 5 years old
• People 65 or older
• Children and teens (under age 18) who are getting long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for Reye’s syndrome after being infected with swine flu. Reye’s syndrome is a life-threatening illness linked to aspirin use in children.
• Pregnant women
• Adults and children with chronic lung, heart, liver, blood, nervous system, neuromuscular, or metabolic problems
• Adults and children who have weakened immune systems (including those who take medications to suppress their immune systems or who have HIV)
• People in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

How Is It Treated?

Some of the same antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu also work against h2N1 swine flu. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) seem to work best, although some kinds of swine flu don’t respond to oseltamivir.

These drugs can help you get well faster. They can also make you feel better. They work best when you take them within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms, but they can help even if you get them later on.

Antibiotics won’t do anything for you. That’s because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Over-the-counter pain remedies and cold and flu medications can help relieve aches, pains, and fever. Don’t give aspirin to children under age 18 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Make sure that over-the-counter cold medications do not have aspirin before giving them to children.

Is There a Vaccine for Swine Flu?

The same flu vaccine that protects against seasonal flu also protects against the h2N1 swine flu strain. You can get it as a shot or as a nasal spray. Either way, it “teaches” your immune system to attack the real virus.

Besides a flu shot, there are other things you can do to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to make sure you’ve washed long enough. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid people who are sick.

Watch out, swine flu! – GBUZ MO “Serpukhov Maternity Hospital”

Swine flu is a viral disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets. If the person next to you coughs or sneezes, then this is a reason to move away from him quickly. The particles of the virus fly up to 7-10 meters, therefore, the most important rule of prevention is to try to avoid places where there are always a lot of people. Such places, for example, include cinemas, shopping centers, subways, and so on.

Swine flu is a serious disease, but if it is treated on time, then fatal complications such as pneumonia can be avoided. The swine influenza A(h2N1) virus poses the greatest danger to children, pregnant women and people suffering from somatic diseases. In case of malaise, doctors recommend not to engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment, but to consult a doctor. The flu epidemic will come earlier than usual this year, says Veronika Skvortsova, Russia’s health minister.

Immunity usually develops before day 21. In Russia, mass vaccination begins in November – early December. But many doctors believe that there is no point in getting vaccinated now – it’s too late. It is better to take other measures that will protect the body from this disease. To do this, avoid crowded places. You need to wash your hands with soap and every time after visiting the street or crowded places. The nose and throat should also be flushed with saline. Before going outside, lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic or leukinferon ointment. As an additional protection, you can use a gauze bandage. Be sure to air the room 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes. Swine flu doesn’t like the cold. If you are at risk, you should refrain from visiting crowded places. If this is not possible, be sure to wear a mask. When in public places, try to avoid touching your face with your hands. Coming from the street, be sure to wash your hands with soap, rinse your nose with saline, and gargle. Handle daily, keyboard and mouse phones. You can drink a vitamin complex, it is very useful to take honey daily. To activate the immune system, you need to use natural fermented milk products, citrus fruits, fruit drinks and natural proteins.

The clinical symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular seasonal flu, with a few differences. The incubation period (from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first complaints) with swine flu lasts from a day to 4 days on average, sometimes extended to a week. Patients are concerned about the symptoms of intoxication (high temperature up to 38-39 °, severe weakness, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting of central origin, that is, against the background of high temperature, body aches, lethargy).

Another group of complaints is associated with the development of a respiratory syndrome (dry cough, pronounced sore throat, feeling of lack of air), as well as the likelihood of a rapid development of one of the complications – the development of pneumonia in the early stages (2-3 days of illness). The difference from seasonal flu is the presence of dyspeptic syndrome in 30-45% of patients – patients develop constant nausea, repeated vomiting, and impaired stool.

An epidemic of swine flu was already observed in Russia in 2009. At the same time, manufacturers of flu vaccines began to include protection against swine flu in their contents. If you are now thinking about getting vaccinated against swine flu, then it is too late to do so. Since immunity begins to be developed only after three weeks. Therefore, flu shots begin in October and end in November. In order not to get sick with swine flu, you should also wash your hands well and thoroughly before eating. Also drink more dairy products and eat more citrus fruits.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Also think about other people. If you feel the first flu symptoms, call your doctor and stay at home. Influenza spreads at lightning speed, don’t spread the virus, better think about treatment.

The best prevention is a healthy lifestyle, so it makes sense to give up bad habits.

We wish you good health.

Swine flu: causes, symptoms and effective treatment

Contents

• 1 Swine flu: symptoms, treatment and prevention
  • 1. 1 Swine flu: what is it and why is it contagious?
  • 1.2 Symptoms and early signs of swine flu
  • 1.3 How to correctly diagnose swine flu?
  • 1.4 What to do if you get swine flu: effective treatment
  • 1.5 Avoiding swine flu: prevention
  • 1.6 Who is at risk of getting swine flu and what threats it can cause
  • 1.7 Swine flu in the world and its spread 9002 8
  • 1.8 Foods to Help Fight Swine Flu
  • 1.9 Expert Opinion: What Doctors Say and Medical Science Advice on Swine Flu
  • 1.10 Swine Flu Myths and Reality
  • 1.11 Top 5 Questions About Swine Flu
    • 1.11.1 1. What is swine flu?
    • 1.11.2 2. How is swine flu transmitted?
    • 1.11.3 3. What are the symptoms of swine flu?
    • 1.11.4 4. How can swine flu infection be prevented?
    • 1.11.5 5. How to treat swine flu?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is swine flu and what causes it?
      • 1. 13.0.2 What are the symptoms of swine flu?
      • 1.13.0.3 How does swine flu spread from person to person?
      • 1.13.0.4 What help should be given for swine flu?
      • 1.13.0.5 How to treat swine flu?
      • 1.13.0.6 How can swine flu be prevented?

Find out what swine flu is, how you get it, and what to do if you get sick. Read about the methods of treatment and prevention in this article.

Swine flu is an infectious disease caused by influenza type A virus. The symptoms of this disease are very similar to normal flu, including high fever, headache, runny nose, cough and sore throat.

The swine flu virus accidentally gets its name from the fact that it was first discovered in pigs. However, this virus can be transmitted from person to person, especially in crowded places such as schools, offices and hospitals.

Experts recommend that people at high risk of contracting swine flu, including children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, get vaccinated against the disease. In addition, when symptoms of swine flu appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor for proper and timely treatment.

It is important to remember that seeking medical attention and taking preventive measures will help reduce the risk of contracting swine flu and preventing its spread.

Swine flu: what is it and what are the causes of contagion?

Swine flu is an illness caused by the type A influenza virus, which was previously limited to pigs. However, the virus mutated and became transmitted from person to person, leading to a global epidemic in 2009.

According to experts, the main reasons for the contagiousness of swine flu are improper conditions for keeping pigs and poor hygiene around animals. Also, influenza virus mutations can occur on farms where vaccination is not mandatory or controlled.

• Improper housing conditions for pigs
• Poor hygiene around animals
• Influenza virus mutations various countries and regions of the world.

  Symptoms and early signs of swine flu

  Swine flu is an influenza A virus disease that is caused by pigs. It can be passed from person to person and cause serious complications. If you notice these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.

  1. High body temperature. Usually over 38 degrees C.
  2. Sore throat. There may be discomfort, hypersensitivity, or aching sensations.
  3. Cough. Swine flu can cause a dry or mucous cough, sometimes bloody.
  4. Headache. Intense pain in the forehead and eyes, a feeling of heaviness in the head.
  5. Chill and trembling. There are convulsions and trembling of the limbs.
  6. Severe malaise. Feeling of weakness, fatigue and pain in the body.

  Many patients with swine flu symptoms are first diagnosed with a cold or cold. However, if the symptoms persist and get worse, it may be the flu. To make sure you have swine flu, you need to see a doctor and get tested for the virus. The earlier the disease is identified, the greater the chance of effective treatment.

  How to correctly diagnose swine flu?

  Swine flu is an infectious disease caused by the type A influenza virus. It is transmitted from pigs to humans and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner.

  In addition, doctors can use special tests to diagnose swine flu that detect antibodies to the influenza type A virus. Bacteriological and virological studies are also carried out.

  At the first sign of swine flu, such as fever, cough, runny nose, headache and muscle pain, you need to see a doctor. He will prescribe the necessary diagnostics and determine the presence of the disease.

  It is important to remember that timely access to a doctor and correct diagnosis are the key to quick and effective treatment of swine flu.

  What to do if you have swine flu: effective treatment

  Step 1: See a doctor

  If you have symptoms of swine flu, be sure to see a doctor. He will make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. Do not self-medicate!

  Step 2: Stay calm and limit contact with people

  One of the keys to treating swine flu is to stay calm and not exercise. Limit contact with people so as not to infect them. If possible, stay at home.

  Step 3: Take your doctor’s prescription

  Swine flu treatment is aimed at reducing fever, headache and muscle pain. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent complications. Don’t skip your prescribed medications!

  Step 4: Follow your doctor’s advice

  To be effective, your doctor’s advice must be followed. These can be simple rules for nutrition, refusal of certain actions, etc. Be sure to follow all prescriptions and follow the instructions of the doctor.

  Step 5: Drink plenty of fluids

  With swine flu, it’s worth drinking plenty of fluids to replenish fluids lost in the body. Drink warm drinks such as tea or absolutely hot water. But do not forget that sometimes a doctor may insist on a contraindication for one or another drink.

  Preventing Swine Flu

  Swine flu is a viral infection caused by the A/h2N1 virus. To make sure you don’t get swine flu, the following precautions can help:

  • Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap to kill any viruses that may be on your skin.
  • Wear a mask. Wear a medical mask if you feel sick or are around someone who has swine flu.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick. Try to avoid contact with people who have swine flu. If you must be near a sick person, wear a medical mask.
  • Take care of your general hygiene. Be careful with items that may be contaminated with swine flu, empty the wastebasket, and clean your home on a schedule.
  • Get vaccinated. The swine flu vaccination is an important step in prevention. Check with your healthcare provider to find out if you need vaccination.

  Remember that timely diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of recovery from swine flu. Always contact your healthcare professional if you notice symptoms of this infection.

  Who is at risk for swine flu and what threats it can cause

  Swine flu is a disease that can affect people of all ages and social backgrounds. However, young children, older people and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

  Moreover, swine flu is a dangerous disease not only for human health, but also for the economy. It can lead to a significant number of absences from work and school, as well as economic losses associated with the treatment and control of this disease.

  In general, it must be understood that swine flu is a serious disease that can lead to serious complications and potentially be dangerous to the health of society as a whole. Therefore, precautions should be taken and the most vulnerable groups of the population should be taken into account.

  Swine flu worldwide and its spread

  Swine flu is an illness caused by influenza A virus that usually affects pigs. However, in 2009, a case was recorded when swine flu jumped to humans. Since then, the virus has continued to circulate in the global community, causing disease and even death.

  According to the World Health Organization, swine flu is widespread in many countries of the world, including the USA, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, India, China and others. The disease has also been identified in some countries in Africa and Latin America.

  Preventive measures must be observed: when coughing and sneezing, cover your nose and mouth, wash your hands regularly and avoid contact with sick people. If you suspect that you or someone close to you has contracted swine flu, see your doctor.

  Foods that help fight swine flu

  Choosing the right foods can help your body fight swine flu. These foods can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of disease. Here are some of them:

  • Garlic: contains antioxidants that can help eliminate swine flu and other illnesses. Garlic also has antibacterial properties.
  • Broccoli: contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can boost the immune system. It also contains glucosinolate, which can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Chicken broth: contains the amino acid cysteine, which may help improve lung function and reduce swine flu symptoms.
  • Berries: contains antioxidants that help boost the immune system. Berries are also rich in vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients.
  • Honey: contains antibacterial agents and is rich in antioxidants. Honey can also help fight swine flu and other illnesses.

  All of these foods can be added to your diet to help boost your immune system and fight swine flu. But, of course, you should always contact your doctor if you have symptoms of this disease, and do not forget preventive measures.

  Expert opinion: what doctors say and what medical science advises on treating swine flu

  Medical science says that swine flu is caused by a virus that in most cases is transmitted from a sick pig to a person. However, the virus can also be spread from person to person, especially through close contact.

  Doctors recommend the following measures to treat and prevent swine flu:

  • Take your antivirals as directed by your doctor. They help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.
  • Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often with soap and water, use a respirator or mask in public places, wear gloves when in contact with sick people.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people and animals. Limit your visits to public places if there are reported cases of swine flu in your city.

  It is important to note that a timely visit to a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease can significantly speed up recovery and prevent complications.

  Swine flu: myths and reality

  Swine flu is a disease associated with pigs that causes severe cold symptoms in humans. But there are many myths and misinformation about this disease that can lead to incorrect treatment and health risks.

  • Myth: You can get swine flu from eating pork.
  • Reality: Swine flu is transmitted from person to person, not from pigs.
  • Myth: Swine flu is a more deadly form of flu than other types.
  • Reality: Swine flu causes symptoms similar to regular flu and in most cases is treated without complications.
  • Myth: The swine flu shot can cause illness.
  • Reality: The swine flu vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot cause illness.

  It is important to disseminate accurate information about swine flu in order to avoid panic and treatment errors. Good hygiene practices and vaccinations can greatly reduce the risk of swine flu.

  Top 5 swine flu questions

  1. What is swine flu?

  Answer: Swine flu is an infectious disease caused by a virus commonly associated with pigs. However, this virus can also infect humans.

  2. How is swine flu transmitted?

  Answer: Swine flu is transmitted from one person to another, just like ordinary flu – through the contact route (hands, objects), aerosol route (air) and fecal-oral route.

  3. What are the symptoms of swine flu?

  Answer: The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu – headache, sore throat, runny nose and cough, as well as fever, shortness of breath and weakness in the body.

  4. How can I prevent getting swine flu?

  Answer: As with the common flu, take precautions: wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid contact with people who are sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and practice good hygiene when preparing food.

  5. How to treat swine flu?

  Answer: Treatment for swine flu involves the use of antiviral drugs as directed by the doctor. It is also necessary to rest, drink enough fluids and take antipyretic drugs.

  Related videos:

  Q&A:

  What is swine flu and what causes it?

  Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by influenza A virus. The virus is transmitted from pigs to humans and between humans. The causes of the disease are contact with infected animals or people, as well as the consumption of undercooked pig meat.

  What are the symptoms of swine flu?

  The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu: high body temperature, headache, cough, runny nose, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and general weakness. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, pneumonia and death can develop.

  How does swine flu spread from person to person?

  Swine flu is spread from person to person through droplets of saliva or secretions from the nose that are released when coughing or sneezing. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces that contain viruses and then touching the nose, eyes, or mouth. The main preventive measure is frequent hand washing.

  How to help with swine flu?

  Most cases of swine flu are treated at home. But people who continue to have a fever should see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce fever and relieve other symptoms. If you develop pneumonia or other serious complications, you may need to be admitted to a hospital.

  How to treat swine flu?

  The treatment of swine flu depends on the symptoms, age and general health of the patient. A doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, which can shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.