Education Material About Swine Flu

As news of the swine flu spreads, it is important to educate yourselves about the flu, its symptoms and precautions to take to prevent spreading the disease.

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

 

Symptoms for the Swine flu include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and occasionally vomiting and/or diarrhea.

 

If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away. There are medications to treat swine flu. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to pass the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

 

To prevent the spread of this disease, take the following precautions: wash hands regularly — about once an hour, stay in good general health, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious food, try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus and avoid close contact with people who are sick.      

 

If you have questions or concerns about the flu, contact the Bear River Health Department at 435-792-6500, or call its 24/7 emergency line at 435-716-8771.

 

The USU Emergency Management Web site also has updated information about the flu, links to the Center for Disease Control Web site and tips about how to stay healthy.