Swine Flu

Key facts about this “novel” flu

What is it?

Like all influenza viruses, these viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian and human influenza viruses as well as the swine viruses. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs. Scientists call this a quadruple reassortant virus.

Can humans catch this flu?

Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with this flu have occurred in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). There have been documented cases of person to person transmission. This is transmitted the same way as the seasonal flu during the fall and winter, through coughing, sneezing (droplets transmit the virus through the air). If you are sick, please don’t come to church or go to the Emergency Room. Instead, call your doctor immediately. The virus can shed droplets within the first four to seven days or longer. Studies have shown that viruses can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to two to eight hours after being deposited on the surface. Germs are then spread from your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth. There is little to no immunity against this virus. The risk of more cases occurring in our population is very possible since this virus is very contagious.

Who are at a higher risk for contracting the virus?

Just like the seasonal flu, people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women and people of any age with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk.

When should I seek medical care?

Adults should be alert for the following symptoms; severe flu-like symptoms with fever, difficulty breathing with pressure in the chest, cough, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting and diarrhea. Parents should be alert for these symptoms in their children: trouble breathing with cough, bluish or gray skin color, severe vomiting, diarrhea, not waking up or interacting with family, and very irritable. If these symptoms improve in both the adults and children but then return with worsening symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

What kinds of tests are available to diagnose?

If you or your doctor suspects that you have been infected by this virus, they will do a swab of the secretions in your nose, and throat. This test will help your doctor to take better care of you and will also allow public health officials to track and limit the spread.

How do you treat this virus?

The CDC recommends the following antiviral prescription medication; oseltamivir or zanamivir. These stop the viruses from reproducing in your body.

Limit the spread

Cover your nose & mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands!
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, stay home from work, school, or church and limit contact with others to keep from spreading the viruses.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, since germs spread that way.

For more information, check out the “Health Ministry” Event Information display
in the west side of the main lobby.