Information on North American Human Influenza A (H1N1)

Federal, state and local officials are closely monitoring reported cases of the swine flu virus – officially known as North American Human Influenza A (H1N1) – in the United States, including one confirmed case in northern Indiana.

Symptoms and How It Spreads:
The swine flu symptoms appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza, including fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.


The spread of this virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people affected. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

What Schools {Students & Parents} Can Do Now:
As a precautionary measure, schools {students and parents} are encouraged to take the following steps to prevent or contain the spread of the swine flu virus:

1) Practice good personal hygiene.

• 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.

2) 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, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  

3) Get credible information.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm
• Indiana State Department of Health: www.in.gov/isdh