La Porte Regional Health System | Flu Update, April 2009

Flu Update
Swine Flu • North American Human Influenza

You may have heard about Swine Flu in the media recently. It is also being called North American Human Influenza. Below are some links and information that can help you understand how to protect yourself.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

County Hotline: 1-877-826-0011. Available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat to view PDF files.

Click here to download Adobe Acrobat now, for free.

Click here to download a PDF flier about safe handwashing that you can post at home, work, school, or community building.

Click here to download a PDF flier about Covering your Cough that you can print and post at home, work, school, church or in a community building.

Haga clic aquì para un cartel español - Cubre su Tos

What is swine 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 have happened. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

The Centers for Disease Control (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.

How can I protect myself and others?

If you think you are ill with the flu, stay at home. Avoid close contact with others, as much as possible.
Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing). Contact your physician first. If you do not have a doctor, click here to find one: http://www.laportehealth.org/patients/physicians_dirctory/index.cfm. Or call 1-800-760-1058.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or use your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue) and then throw the tissue in a trash can.
After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of this illness, typical of seasonal flu, include:

Fever, chills
Sore throat, stuffy nose and cough
Headache, body aches and fatigue
Diarrhea and vomiting seem common with this strain

Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Be alert for cases of secondary bacterial pneumonia.