Swine Flu
Swine flu (H1N1 flu) is on the rise. Take steps to protect yourself and your family.
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Contact can mean anything from kisses to handshakes.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has put out a printable health alert on protecting yourself from swine flu in English and Spanish. There also flyers for employers and employees. Print and post these in your office, home, school, or church.
CDC Swine Flu (H1N1 flu) Q&A:
What is swine flu (H1N1 flu)?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu (H1N1 flu) virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
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Find Out First!
ReadyNotifyPA is a system that helps local officials in Southeastern Pennsylvania send emergency text alerts. Click here to follow the CDC on Twitter.
Travel Warnings
Check here before you take your next trip.
CDC Video: Swine Flu
In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee with the CDC Influenza Division describes swine flu - its signs and symptoms, how it’s transmitted, and medicines to treat it.
