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What is swine flu?
Swine flu (swine influenza A (H1N1)) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930. (Source, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Are there any cases of swine flu at Appalachian?
H1N1 has been confirmed on campus and in the Watauga County community.

What is Appalachian’s plan for dealing with an infectious disease outbreak?
Appalachian’s Pandemic/Infectious Disease response plan was developed in 2007.  It is online at http://www.emergency.appstate.edu/pandemic/.

What is the H1N1 swine flu virus?
The H1N1 swine influenza A viruses are different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses. (Source, CDC)

How do I protect myself from contracting swine flu?
As with any influence-type disease, good health habits are the front line of defense against infection. Here are some basic things that you can do to help minimize your chances of contracting the flu...

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly: Viruses can live up to 2 hours on some surfaces so it is important to wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or ethyl alcohol on the label. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands—with soap and warm water—that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Always wash your hands before eating, and after using the bathroom.
• Avoid touching your face: The eyes, nose, and mouth are entry ways for viruses. Avoid touching these ports or any open wounds. This will only heighten your chances of the flu entering your body.
• Learn to sneeze the healthy way: Avoid using your hands to cover your mouth when you sneeze. The virus will get on your hands, increasing the likelihood of transmission. Use a disposable tissue to cover your mouth. If you don't have a disposable tissue, sneeze into your sleeve.
• Stay home: If you experience flu-like symptoms (headache, fatigue, fever, chills, etc.), stay home from work, school, and postpone travel plans, especially to any known parts of the world that are infected.
• Keep it clean: Frequently disinfect items that are often touched - doorknobs, desks, telephones, etc., with an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled as effective against bacteria and viruses.
• Wear protective gear: If you have symptoms, wear a surgical mask when others are around you. For more information on respirators and masks, see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm.
• Drink pleny of fluids: Staying well hydrated helps your body to deliver nutrients to organs and flushes toxins from the body.
• Get moving: Regular exercise helps to strengthen the immune system and increases the body's natural virus-killing cells.
• Get plenty of sleep: A healthy sleeping pattern helps to booster the immune system. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
• Stay informed: This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Pass the word: Tell people about this website, or send them a copy of the Seasonal & Novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu Prevention Factsheet (PDF 457K), which outlines the points stated above.

In addition, try to avoid close contact with those who are sick. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. On August 5, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their interim recommendations to include:

"Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have an [influenza-like illness] should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick."

Source, CDC

Are medications effective in preventing swine flu?
While a vaccine has been developed for protection against the H1N1 virus, supplies are limited. Monitor the Student Health Service's website at http://healthservices.appstate.edu for updates. Some antiviral drugs do reduce or lessen seasonal flu and H1N1 symptoms if taken within two days of experiencing symptoms associated with the flu. Because the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine, the CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir. Contact your health care provider for more information.

Sources:

• http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
• http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
• http://www.ncpublichealth.com/

Page last updated November 6, 2009.