Keeping yourself safe from Swine Flu

By ABC7

MOST POPULAR: Video, stories and more
SIGN-UP: Get breaking news sent to you from ABC7 News

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy and avoid swine flu.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. The flu viruses do not normally infect humans, but human infections with swine flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:

  • Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Stuffy nose
  • Chills
  • Headache and body aches
  • Fatigue

    There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy and avoid swine flu:

  • 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 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.

    For more information contact your local or state health department: Center for Disease Control
    California Department of Public Health
    World Health Organization

           Today's latest headlines | ABC7 News on your phone
    Follow us on Twitter | Fan us on Facebook | Get our free widget

    • Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
    TOP STORIES
    EXCLUSIVE: Time capsule discovered under SF's Transamerica Pyramid
    Here's a look at SF Tenderloin one month after encampment crackdown
    EXCLUSIVE: Repeat SF car burglar rearrested month after jail release
    University of Idaho murder trial will be held in Boise
    4.7-magnitude earthquake hits Los Angeles area, USGS says
    EXCLUSIVE: Hot dog vendor disputes SFPD's claim she staged incident
    Jon Bon Jovi helps talk woman off ledge of Nashville bridge: Police
    Show More
    Hundreds of stolen catalytic converters found at CA recycling center
    Bomb threats reported at multiple buildings in Springfield, Ohio
    Early polls say Harris won the presidential debate
    New business district known as TREBA established in East San Jose
    Deal reached to avert HMB teachers strike over wages, benefits
    More TOP STORIES News