Saturday

Swine influenza

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several specific types of swine influenza virus that is usually hosted by (is endemic in) pigs. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of catching swine flu.
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. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health and lessen the spread of this new virus:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash 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 this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

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