Swine Flu H1N1 Fast Facts Part 1 – Spread and Prevention
Whether you prefer to call it Influenza A (H1N1), Swine Influenza, or Swine Flu, you probably have some questions about the risks to you and your family, its prevention, and treatment. The questions and answers will probably change over the course of the next few weeks as health authorities learn more about the different strains of Swine Flu H1N1 that are affecting many countries. This is the first of a three part series of Fast Facts to answer your H1N1 questions and guide you to credible resources.
How is Swine Flu H1N1 Spread?
The incubation period (time between exposure and onset of symptoms) is still uncertain, but it appears to be 3-4 days. All flus are spread by droplets that spray out as a person sneezes or coughs. You can catch Swine Flu H1N1 or any flu virus if: You are standing within three feet of an uncovered cough or sneeze and droplets make contact with you or if you inhale them. The droplets land on hard surfaces, like a desk top or keyboard. Even after the droplet dries a flu virus could live for over an hour. You can catch the virus by touching an infected surface then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can give to the flu to somebody else by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth if the virus is on your hand. Somebody coughs, sneezes or blows their nose into a tissue, and the wet tissue makes contact with their hand or the tissue tears and the contents make contact with their hand. If they touch hard surfaces or shake hands before they wash their hands then they could spread a virus. Flu viruses can also be spread by handling a contaminated cloth handkerchief then touching people or surfaces. An infected person touches their eyes, nose or mouth then touches other surfaces, objects or people before washing their hands.
This is not the same Swine Flu virus people were immunized against in the 1970′s. There is a vaccine for the 2009 Swine Flu Influenza A H1N1 virus under development but even with fast tracking it will take months before it is ready for human trial.Swine Flu H1N1 is not spread by pigs and you cannot catch Swine Flu H1N1 by eating pork or using medications that are derived from pigs (porcine).
Preventing the Spread of Swine Flu H1N1
According to the CDC, proper handwashing is the most effective means of preventing the spread of disease. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also considered effective. Use disposable tissues, clean your hands after every use. Cough into your elbow or shoulder if you do not have a tissue. Preventative treatments (such as Tamiflu) are not recommended for healthy people as this could potentially lead to resistance. Only seek treatment if you have symptoms. People with flu- like symptoms should avoid public places. If your child’s school is closed do not place your child in group settings such as daycare. If there are confirmed cases in your area, limit exposure by avoiding public places and clean your hands often while out and upon returning home. An infected person is contagious about 1 day before they have symptoms so follow proper handwashing guidelines or use alcohol based hand sanitizers often to prevent the accidental spread of the flu. The contagious period lasts for about 7 days after symptoms start, probably longer in children.
Links to Frequently Updated Swine Flu H1N1 Information
Visit your state’s health department website for local information about H1N1.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website’s official section on H1N1 contains multiple articles about Swine Flu H1N1 history, prevention, and treatment for laypeople and healthcare professionals. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) website is frequently updated with details about the International effects of Swine Flu H1n1.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
A U.S. government website that links to the CDC, World Health Organization, and state information.
http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entries/travel_alert_swine_flu/
Dipnote, the official blog of the U.S. Department of State with the latest travel advisories.