SWINE FLU INFORMATION
Local Swine Flu Hotline: 684-5469

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus have been identified in the United States and internationally.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs, caused by a Type A influenza virus. Normally, swine flu does not infect humans. However, the virus strain that's currently in the news has been confirmed to spread from human to human. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine flu from eating pork products.

THERE ARE EVERYDAY ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO STAY HEALTHY.

• Influenza is thought to be mainly spread person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 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 sanitizers are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

• Try to avoid contact with sick people.

• Stay home from work or school, and avoid traveling, if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and body aches.

• Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Those who are severely ill, such as having trouble breathing, should seek medical care from their private physicians.

• The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to some prescription antiviral drugs. Contact your medical doctor for care.

Updates and information about the current swine flu situation are available online from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Check the Johnson County Public Health Web site regularly for important instructions should a pandemic occur. Our All Hazards Response Team has been training, planning and preparing to act in a public health emergency.

Check out our hotline at 684-5469 for the latest advice and instructions.

More information on swine flu can be found at the Johnson County Healthcare Center Web site.