Swine Flu Update

What is swine flu?
Swine influenza (swine flu or H1N1) is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been known to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited (i.e. not sustained beyond three people).

Are there currently human infections with swine flu?
As of April 27th, there have been many reported cases of swine flu in humans, including more than 100 deaths in Mexico. Suspected cases of swine influenza in persons returning from three main areas in Mexico (Districto Federal, Oaxaca, San Luis Potosi) have been reported in the United States (California, Texas, Kansas, New York, Ohio) and Canada (Nova Scotia, British Columbia). Cases have also been reported in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. Subsequently the World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic alert status was revised from a Phase 3 rating (mainly affecting animals) to Phase 4 (spreading from people to people). The WHO has not issued any travel advisories at this time.

Is the swine flu virus contagious?
Swine influenza A (H1N1) is contagious and is definitely spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

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

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of the virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when those infected cough or sneeze. Sometimes people may become infected just by touching something that has been in contact with the virus, and then touching their own mouth or nose.

How can I protect myself?
There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash right after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth (germs spread that way!).
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.

Sources: The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Travel Health Notice – April 25, 2009; The World Health Organization (WHO) Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan – April 25, 2009; and Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CEPEC) Update on Human Swine Influenza – April 26, 2009.