How Does
How Is the Swine Flu Contracted?
Human-to-Human Transmission
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The swine flu, or H1N1, can be transmitted in many ways, including pig to human, human to pig, human to human and pig to pig. When the virus is spread from person to person, it is spread the same way as the seasonal flu. The main way people contract swine flu is through contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person, such as when she coughs or sneezes. The virus can also live on surfaces, and you can contract swine flu by touching a surface--such as counter, table or doorknob--that has been infected by someone with the virus and then touching your nose of mouth.
Pig-to-Human Transmission
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Humans can also contract swine flu by coming into contact with a pig carrying the virus. For this type of transmission, direct contact is required, such as by people who work in pig barns or at facilities where pigs are raised or processed. It is important to note that humans cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. As long as you properly cook pork to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F, pork is completely safe to eat because any viruses or bacteria present in the meat will be killed in the cooking process.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of the season flu. People who become infected with the virus commonly experience a high fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, body aches, chills, a stuffy or runny nose, fatigue and vomiting and diarrhea.
Prevention
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The best way to prevent contracting swine flu is to receive the vaccine that protects against it. The vaccine is recommended for babies, children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, women who are pregnant, caregivers for babies younger than 6 months, health care workers and people with chronic health conditions that make them more susceptible to becoming severely ill from influenza. You can also prevent contracting swine flu by practicing good hygiene and avoided contact with people who have become infected. Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
eHow Article: How Is the Swine Flu Contracted?
Comments
mikelb said
on 11/22/2009 Thanks for the information. -- MikeLB