Swine/Novel Flu Facts, April 2009

What is Swine/Novel Flu?
Swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs and can be transmitted to humans. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions.

Why should I be concerned?
Because of a recent outbreak of swine/novel flu in Mexico and some cases in the U.S., we are taking precautions to increase public safety and limit the virus.

How common is swine/novel flu infection in humans?
In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine flu virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported.

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

How does swine/novel flu spread?
Though not common, flu viruses may be spread directly from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs.

Human-to-human transmission of swine/novel flu can also 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 virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu virus on it (like secretions from the nose of an infected person) and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can human infections with swine/novel flu be diagnosed?
A respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness or in some cases, 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine/novel flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to the State or CDC for laboratory testing.

What medications are available to treat swine/novel flu infections in humans?
CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment of infection with swine/novel flu viruses. At this time, there are no vaccines available.