Swine flu is a type of virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. H1N1 flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. H1N1  viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical H1N1  virus (an influenza type A virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

How many H1N1 viruses are there?
Like all influenza viruses, H1N1 viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as H1N1 viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can resort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of H1N1 flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

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What is H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)?

H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is a variant of normal seasonal influenza that contains bits of viruses from birds, pigs and humans. People with H1N1 flu experience the same symptoms as with regular seasonal flu:

 

How is H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) spread?

H1N1 is likely spread from person to person via the respiratory route, the same as seasonal influenza. Coughs and sneezes release the 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.

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before becoming sick and up to seven days after. It takes between two and seven days for a newly infected person to show symptoms.

How can I stop the spread of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly or use an alcohol-hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm, not in your hands
• Stay home if you are ill

How do I keep the environment clean to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu virus?

Most household cleaners sold in retail stores will kill the H1N1 flu virus. It is always best to wash a surface before disinfecting but most household cleaners do both at the same time. To make your own disinfectant, mix one teaspoon of household bleach with two cups of water. Ensure that the area to be disinfected is first washed with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then apply bleach solution. Leave the bleach solution on the surface for at least ten minutes, let air dry, or wipe with a clean disposable towel.

Is wearing a mask recommended for the general population?

No. In keeping with the current directives from provincial and federal health authorities, Toronto Public Health is not recommending the use of face masks for the general population.

How severe is the H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)?

The majority of cases of H1N1 flu so far reported in Canada and the United States have been mild. Some of the cases reported in Mexico have been more severe, involving primarily healthy young people who rapidly progressed from mild illness to severe respiratory distress. Some illnesses have resulted in death.

I’ve been tested for H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu). How do I get my test results?

Toronto Public Health provides test results of communicable diseases directly to healthcare providers and patients. The results may also be shared with institutions and workplaces when the investigation determines that action is necessary to protect public health.

Is there a treatment for H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)?

It appears that Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamavir) work to combat H1N1, so these drugs can be used to treat severe H1N1 cases if treatment is started within two days of symptom onset. Mild illness that appears to be going away on its own does not require treatment. H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is resistant to amantadine.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)?

There is currently no vaccine available for H1N1. Canada has a contract with a vaccine manufacturer for vaccine production in the event of a pandemic. Once the pandemic strain has been confirmed, it may take up to six months for an effective vaccine to be developed and tested. The contract covers the production of enough pandemic vaccine for all Canadians.

Can I get H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) from eating pork?

No. Cooking destroys the virus.

Should I travel to Mexico or one of the other affected areas?

The Federal government through Public Health Agency of Canada and Foreign Affairs is responsible for issuing travel advice to Canadians. Travel advisories can be found at Public Health Agency of Canada.