West Georgia Health System provides this information about swine flu, most-asked questions, where to go for help and information.

Q. What is swine flu?

A. Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Q. Is this swine flu virus contagious?

A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

A. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Q. How does swine flu spread?

A. Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Q. Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Q. How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

A. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Q. How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

A. People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Q. How long can viruses live outside the body?

A. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

Q. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

A. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

n Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

n Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

n Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

n Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

n If you get sick with influenza, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Q. What should I do if I get sick?

A. If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenzalike symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health-care provider, who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

Q. Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

A. Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid 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 make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms). As with all medications these medications should be taken following CDC recommendations and should not be taken without specific indications for its use.

Q. What precautions are being taken at West Georgia Health System?

A. WGHS is practicing standard infection control practices and following CDC guidance and recommendations related to the prevention and treatment of swine flu. Patients with flu symptoms entering through the emergency department will be asked to wear a mask and perform hand hygiene. Patients entering the hospital through other entrances will also be alerted to the symptoms of swine flu and asked to wear masks and perform hand hygiene if they are symptomatic for influenza. Patients who are suspected or confirmed to have swine flu will be placed into appropriate isolation precautions which are the routine precautions and protocols used during the regular flu season.

You can find more detailed information at wghs.org, the toll-free Georgia Public Health Hotline at 888-899-9788 and the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc. gov/swineflu