Hi. I'm Dr. Joe Bresee with CDC's Influenza Division.
I'm here to speak with you today
about the symptoms of swine-flu infections
and what to do if you get sick.
Since March 2009,
persons with infection caused by a new strain of swine-flu virus
have been identified in the U.S. and other countries.
It's important that people recognize
the symptoms of swine flu
and seek medical care if necessary.
For many years,
we've known that swine flu occasionally infects humans,
so we know the typical symptoms of swine flu.
Symptoms are similar
to the symptoms of regular human flu
and can include fever, cough,
sore throat, body aches,
headache, chills, or fatigue.
Some people with swine flu
have also reported diarrhea or vomiting.
In the past, severe illness
such as pneumonia or respiratory failure,
as well as death, has been reported
with swine-flu infections in people.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening
of underlying chronic medical conditions.
If you live in an area
where swine-flu infections have been reported
and if you become ill with flu-like symptoms,
you may want to contact your healthcare provider,
particularly if you're worried about your symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will determine
whether swine-flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you become ill
and experience any of the following warning signs,
get emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs
that need urgent medical attention
include fast breathing or trouble breathing,
bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids,
not waking up or not interacting,
being so irritable
that the child does not want to be held,
fever with a rash,
or flu-like symptoms that improve
but then return with fever or worse cough.
In adults, emergency warning signs
that need urgent medical attention
include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,
sudden dizziness, confusion,
or severe or persistent vomiting.
People with swine flu can infect others
and could be contagious as long as they are symptomatic
and possibly for up to seven days
following the onset of illness.
Children, especially younger children,
might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Fortunately, there are medicines
that can be used to treat swine flu.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines
such as pills, liquids, or an inhaler
that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses
from reproducing in your body.
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder
and can make you feel better faster.
They may also prevent serious flu complications.
For treatment, antiviral drugs work best
if started within two days of symptoms.
CDC recommends the use
of oseltamivir, which is also called Tamiflu,
or zanamivir, which is also called Relenza,
for the treatment or prevention
of infection with these swine-flu viruses.
If you get sick with swine flu,
CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school
and limit contact with others
to reduce the chance of transmitting the infection.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
because germs can spread that way.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing.
It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
For more information about swine flu,
visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu.