Public health officials within the United States and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza (swine flu). Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness. The outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected. For more information concerning swine flu infection, please see the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.  For specific information on travel precautions and an update on the affected areas, please visit: www.cdc.gov/travel.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:

• Fever (greater than 100 F or 37.8 C)
  
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.  Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people.  Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Recommendations from ODH and CDC include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough and sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs spread this way.