1. What is swine flu?
Swine influenza (sometimes called swine flu) is a strain of the influenza virus that usually affects pigs, but which may also make people sick.
You have questions on Swine Flu? Here are some answers and information sources.
Swine influenza (sometimes called swine flu) is a strain of the influenza virus that usually affects pigs, but which may also make people sick.
Yes, this virus is contagious. Since some of the people who have become ill in the United States and Mexico have not been in direct contact with pigs, we know that the virus has spread from person to person.
More investigation is needed on how easily the virus spreads between people, but it is believed that it is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza.
Influenza and other respiratory infections are transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat. Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.
The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:
No. To date, the cases of human swine influenza reported in Canada are milder than those reported in Mexico. The cases reported in Mexico have been more severe, involving mostly healthy young people who rapidly progressed from mild illness to severe respiratory distress, within an average of five days.
Antiviral medications are prescription drugs. Initially, they may be obtained from a pharmacy with a regular prescription.
Links
[1] http://www.fightflu.ca/
[2] http://www.voyage.gc.ca/
[3] http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine-porcine/faq_rg_swine-eng.php#faq1
[4] http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/prob_sante/influenza/index.php?accueil
[5] https://childrenfoundation.com/donate-now/