some-faq-for-swine-flu-virusHow is swine flu different than seasonal influenza and bird flu? This is a new flu bug that includes genetic segments from human, swine, and avian flu viruses. It is an influenza A H1N1 strain, named for two proteins in the bug’s protein coat. H1N1 viruses often circulate without causing major outbreaks. But since this flu virus is new, people might not have immunity to it. That’s why the global public health system is on alert. No one knows where this outbreak might lead.

What symptoms would tell me I have swine flu? Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu, according to the CDC. Those include:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite
  • Coughing

Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How can I tell if someone sitting next to me has swine flu? You can’t. If someone is showing the symptoms, it couldn’t hurt to keep your distance. It’s best to say 6 feet away from someone who has the flu because the virus spreads in droplets when people talk, cough, or sneeze. Of course, your neighbor might just have a stuffy nose caused by a mild cold or seasonal allergies.

Is there a vaccine available for this new swine flu? No. Developing and producing a vaccine matched to this flu virus will take several months. Swine flu vaccine could be added to the seasonal flu vaccine now being produced for next fall, either as a replacement for one of the three strains in that vaccine or as an addition that makes it a four-strain vaccine.

What’s the best way to avoid getting exposed to the swine flu virus? For now, avoid people who are coughing or sick. It is also recommended to do hand washing to reduce the risk of flu. Though frequent hand washing hasn’t specifically been proved to protect against swine flu, it does reduce the risk of respiratory infections generally.

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