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Page Updated: August 27,  2009

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

Questions and Answers

What is the University doing to prepare for swine flu?
Florida Atlantic University has a Pandemic Flu Committee which is monitoring the situation in conjunction with the County Health Departments and is periodically updating the University on the H1N1 swine flu status. Each Department should review their COOP Plans to ensure that pandemic emergencies procedures are in place. 

What is H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)?
Swine flu is a common respiratory disease in pigs that doesn't usually spread to people. In the past, people have sometimes caught swine flu if they worked directly with pigs. However, the novel (H1N1) flu has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How does swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe.

How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. Certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current pandemic, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine available right now to protect humans against novel H1N1 virus.  However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine is available to protect against seasonal influenza .

How can I protect myself from getting swine influenza from infected people?

For the current outbreaks in the United States,.most patients recovered from illness without requiring medical care. To protect yourself, practice general preventive measures for influenza:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
• Avoid handshaking and sharing personal items during flu season.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

If there is an ill person at home:

• Try to provide the ill person a separate section in the house. If this is not possible, keep the patient at least 3-6 ft. in distance from others.
• Cover mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Masks can be bought commercially or made using the readily available materials as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
• Try to improve the air flow in the area where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.

What should I do if I think I have swine influenza?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough and/or sore throat:

• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds as much as possible. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Rest and take plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the used tissues properly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Inform family and friends about your illness and seek help for household chores that require contact with other people such as shopping.

If you need medical attention:

• If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
• If it is not possible to contact your healthcare provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of having swine influenza immediately upon arrival at the healthcare facility.
• Take care to cover your nose and mouth during travel.

Are there travel restrictions for swine flu?
Travelers should check the CDC and U.S. State Department travel information pages before traveling.

CDC:  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/
U.S. State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4488.html

If you need to travel, follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.