Swine Flu - Facts and Safety Measures

What is Swine Flu or Swine Influenza?

Swine influenza (also called swine flu) refers to influenza caused by virus that usually infects pigs. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the Midwestern United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.

The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission.

Symptoms

"Swine flu" H1N1 virus is similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.

The flu and colds usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Travel  

WHO recommends no travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza (H1N1) virus. However its better to take precautionary measures while travelling, even when you commute to office using public transport.

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. Therefore precaution is the key. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

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  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people while travelling in a public van.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you reach office/home, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Safety Precautions at home/office

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  • While in an affected region, seek immediate medical attention if you develop influenza-like symptoms. (High Fever, body pain, coughing and red nose)
  • Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Always maintain high levels of personal hygiene, especially before and after food preparation and in-out of toilets. Regularly wash your hands
  • Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
  • Avoid live animal markets, poultry and pig farms in affected countries

Safety Measures at Airport

The Governments of many countries have announced new airport screening measures at each of its international terminals in response to the outbreak of H1N1 flu.

The screening measures include requiring all travelers arriving on international flights to complete a questionnaire that will be reviewed by health care screeners upon arrival. Travelers who answer yes to any of the questions or show signs of fever or cough may be referred to a doctor and possibly detained for observation.  Travelers showing signs of fever or cough during a flight may also be asked to wear a mask for the duration of the flight.  Passengers sitting in the vicinity, three rows ahead and back, of the affected traveler may also be given masks to wear and be subject to additional screening upon arrival.  Travelers arriving from or transiting affected countries, and who have a fever or cough at the time of embarkation, are being asked by authorities to consider postponing their trip. Travelers should be prepared for significant delays as these screening measures are implemented.

For a complete list of FAQs and updates on prevention, please visit the the WHO website.