Swine Influenza

Swine flu viruses usually cause mild illness; however, they can cause severe illness and are concerning because of their pandemic potential. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy (tiredness), lack of appetite, cough, runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Similar to seasonal flu, serious illness resulting in hospitalization and death is possible.

Similar to seasonal flu, people with certain underlying conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, and cancer are at higher risk of developing serious complications from infections with swine flu viruses. Other groups at increased risk for flu complications include:

1. Children younger than 5 years
2. Adults 65 years and older
3. Pregnan women
4. People with disabilities
5. People belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups

The best way to protect yourself from infection with swine flu is to understand your risk for exposure and take proper precautions when having contact with pigs or their environments.

• Anyone who is at higher risk of serious flu complications should avoid contact with pigs and swine barns.
• If unable to avoid exposure, wear a well-fitting mask that covers the nose and mouth (e.g., an N95 respirator or KN95 respirator if available, or if not available, a surgical mask).
• Always wash your hands with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and running water are unavailable.
• Don’t take food or drink into areas with pigs; don’t eat, drink or put anything in your mouth in areas with pigs.
• Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into areas with pigs.
• Avoid contact with pigs if they are sick.
• Avoid contact with pigs or their environments if you are experiencing flu-like illness.

IDOH  recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for people working with swine. It will not prevent infection with swine flu viruses, but it can reduce the risk of coinfection with other seasonal flu viruses.

Antiviral medications are available to treat people with suspected or confirmed infection with swine flu viruses. There are different antiviral medications recommended for use in the US for treatment of influenza.

If you or your family members become sick with flu-like symptoms after a potential exposure, take the following actions:

• Contact your health care provider to let them know about your symptoms and tell them that you have been around pigs. Your doctor may prescribe treatment with flu antiviral medications and may order testing to check for swine variant flu or other respiratory diseases.
• Stay home from work and school, avoid travel, and avoid or limit contact with other people and pigs as much as possible until your doctor tells you it is safe to resume normal activities.
• Practice good respiratory and hand hygiene including using facial tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, disposing of contaminated tissues, and washing your hands with soap and running water.