A swine flu pandemic in 2009 killed more than 284,000 people worldwide
Name
Swine flu (swine influenza)
Transmission
- A respiratory disease caused by a group of influenza viruses that regularly cause influenza outbreaks in pigs
- There are different subtypes and strains of swine influenza viruses
- The outbreaks usually cause illness in pigs, but do not cause death
- Swine flu viruses normally do not infect humans but human infections are possible:
- The viruses spread from pigs to humans when people are exposed to infected pigs
- If pigs cough or sneeze, droplets with influenza virus can spread through the air and be inhaled by people
- People can also get swine flu from touching infected surfaces
- The viruses can also spread from person to person via contaminated surfaces and infected droplets in the air after coughing or sneezing
- People have not been known to get swine flu from eating pork or pig products
- The viruses spread from pigs to humans when people are exposed to infected pigs
Geography
Worldwide
Incubation Period
4 – 6 days after infection
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of a normal human flu virus:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Lack of appetite
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Eye irritation
- Vomiting
- Coughing
Diagnosis
Laboratory testing of a respiratory sample
Treatment
- There are three antiviral drugs that can treat swine flu viruses, but as with a normal flu, most cases do not require medication
- Treatment involves rest, drinking water and maintaining fluid intake, and taking pain relievers as needed to manage the symptoms
Prognosis
- Most people recover fully however, severe cases of swine flu can be fatal
- Outcomes are worse for people who are at high risk of serious flu complications such as children under age 5, pregnant women, people over age 65, and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc.
- The most common complications and causes of death are respiratory failure, pneumonia, sepsis, high fever (leading to neurological problems), dehydration, and kidney failure
Prevention: What Can You Do?
- The flu vaccines that are designed to fight against human influenza viruses do not protect people from swine influenza viruses
- Limit your direct contact with pigs
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs
- Disinfect common household surfaces
Swine Flu In the News
- Kids get swine flu from pigs at state fairs, CDC reports
- Swine flu scare returns to Delhi as 3 test positive
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/
http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/swine_influenza/en/
