Walgreens pharmacists have been updated with the latest information about swine flu and are available anytime for your questions.

The CDC has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate the agency emergency response to the situation.

Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs. While the virus typically does not infect humans (only 12 cases reported in the U.S. between December 2005 and February 2009), direct exposure to infected pigs increases the likelihood of human infection.

As with seasonal flu, the CDC believes swine flu is being spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people already infected with swine influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

The symptoms associated with swine flu closely resemble those of regular human flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

If you have symptoms, first consult with your health care provider and they will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

But if you or someone you know becomes ill and experiences any of the following warning signs, seek emergency care.*

In children:

• Fast breathing or troubled breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or interacting
• Irritable and does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve, but return with fever and cough
• Fever with a rash
  

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

At this time, the CDC recommends the following for treatment and/or prevention*

• Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) is approved to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of
  age and older.
• Zanamivir (brand name Relenza) is approved to treat influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and older and to prevent
  influenza A and B virus infection in people 5 years and older.

The seasonal vaccine for the human flu, amantadine (brand name Symmetrel) and rimantadine (brand name Flumadine) are not effective
against the current strain of swine flu, H1N1.

There is currently no vaccination available to protect against swine flu. However, there are simple everyday steps you can take to help prevent the spread of influenza.

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 10-15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after you sneeze or cough.
• Keep living or work areas clean by using household detergents (e.g. hand soap, dishwashing liquid) and sanitize surfaces with bleach or
  alcohol.
• Avoid contact with others who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work or school.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  

Can I get swine flu from eating or preparing pork?

No, swine influenza viruses are not spread by food and you cannot get swine influenza from consuming cooked pork products.

How can swine influenza be diagnosed?

A respiratory specimen would need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness. Identification as a swine influenza A virus requires the specimen be sent to CDC for laboratory testing.

Should I wear a facemask or respirator?

According to CDC, facemasks should be worn in crowded settings to protect yourself and others from spreading swine flu. Respirators should be used by persons that can not avoid contact with those infected by the swine flu.

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Resources
• Centers for Disease Control
• World Health Organization

*Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/swineflu accessed May 01, 2009)