Current news reports have documented a potential outbreak of swine flu in Southern California.  Saint John’s wants you and our community to be informed and prepared.

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes.  There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are
everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza:

• 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

What should I do if I get sick?
Contact your physician.   If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.  If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

For more information, go to gov/flu/swine, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.