What is swine flu?

Swine flu is also called novel H1N1. It is a new flu (influenza) virus that was first found in people in the U.S. in April 2009.

While it is like seasonal flu, it is not the same. The yearly flu shots that have been in use for many years will not protect you from swine flu. Any flu shots you've had in the past, including the swine flu vaccine used in 1976, will not protect you from this new H1N1 virus.

Why is it called swine flu?

At first the H1N1 virus was called "swine flu" because lab tests showed that it was a lot like influenza viruses that are normally found in pigs (swine) in North America. Now studies have shown that this virus is very different from the one found in North American pigs. And despite the name, swine flu is not linked to eating pork or pork products that have been properly handled and prepared.

How is swine flu spread?

The H1N1 virus is spreading by person-to-person contact worldwide, much the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread. Sneezing and coughing are the main way it is spread, but it people can also get swine flu by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours.

People who are infected shed the virus and may be able to infect others (are contagious) from 1 day before feeling sick, to up to 7 days after they have symptoms. Young children may be contagious for a longer time.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Symptoms of swine flu can range from mild to severe and include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• diarrhea
• vomiting

If you have any of the following symptoms you should see a doctor right away:

• trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• lips turn purple or blue
• sudden dizziness
• chest or belly pain or pressure
• confusion
• ongoing vomiting and unable to keep down fluids
• seizures
• flu-like symptoms that seem to get better, but them come back with fever and worse cough

Swine flu may last for a week or longer. Most people who have gotten sick with this virus have recovered without needing medical treatment. But severe illness, like pneumonia, and even death have been linked to swine flu. Certain health issues do seem to be linked to a higher risk of problems with H1N1 infection. These include:

• cancer
• people with weak immune systems, like those with AIDS or those getting chemotherapy
• pregnancy
• lung problems, like asthma or COPD
• blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease
• diabetes
• weak immune system
• kidney disease
• heart disease
• liver problems
• certain nerve and muscle disorders

What can I do to protect myself from swine flu?

At this time there is no sure way to prevent swine flu. A novel H1N1 vaccine is now being made and tested, but it is not expected to be available to the public until fall 2009. Still, there are things you can do to try to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus and many other germs.

• Wash your hands a lot. Use soap and warm water or alcohol-based cleaners or wipes.

• Do not touch your eyes or nose. Keep your fingers out of your mouth.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

• Try to stay away from sick people. At least 6 feet is thought to be a safe distance.

• Try to stay away from small children who spend their days in group settings like daycare or school -- germs spread easily in these places.

• If you have symptoms of swine flu, stay home for at least 24 hours (unless you need to see a doctor). Try to stay away from other people for about a week.

• Be ready just in case you do get sick. Have the things you may need at home (food, tissues, medicines, and so on) so that you don't have to go out in public.

You should also try to stay healthy. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and manage stress. Follow public health advice about things like school closings and avoiding crowds, too.

In some cases, prescription flu medicines and anti-viral drugs can be used to try to prevent swine flu in someone who has just been or may be near someone with it. They can also be used to treat people who have been infected. (See the section, "Can swine flu be treated?")

More on the vaccine

The H1N1 vaccine will help prevent the infection and will not cause the disease. When it is ready (maybe by mid-October 2009), certain groups of high-risk people will be able to get the vaccine first. This includes:

• pregnant women
• those who live with or take care of children under 6 months old
• health care workers and EMTs
• people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
• people age 25 through 64 who are at risk of infection due to chronic health problem or weak immune systems -- this means people with cancer will be able to get it

A vaccine shortage is not expected, and each state has its own vaccine delivery plan. You can learn more about your state's plan online at http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/stateplans.html.

Keep in mind that the novel H1N1 vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is to be used along with the seasonal flu vaccine to protect people. Seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines may be given on the same day..

Can swine flu be treated?

Prescription flu medicines like Tamiflu^® and Relenza^® can be used to treat and prevent swine flu.

Other anti-viral drugs can also be used. These drugs are also available only by prescription. They work by keeping the virus from reproducing in your body. They can make the flu symptoms milder and can help you feel better faster. They can also help keep the infection from causing severe problems. Anti-viral drugs work best if they are started within 2 days after getting sick.

What about people with cancer?

Infections can be a special concern for people with cancer. Having cancer and cancer treatment can make your immune system weak and less able to fight germs. The information here should be used by people with cancer, too. Watch for the same symptoms and do the same things to try to keep from getting swine flu (and any other flu).

Use caution, but don't panic. Talk to your cancer doctor about any special concerns you may have. Also ask if you may need to take medicines to try to prevent swine flu and whether you should get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

Remember that any former immunizations, including last year's flu vaccine or the 1976 vaccine, will NOT protect against the current strain.

High-risk groups listed above, including those with cancer, should get the 2009 vaccine when it becomes available. Health care workers should also get the vaccine.

In most people, swine flu is a limited illness that is not life threatening. It can be serious in the high-risk groups, and these individuals should receive priority for vaccination.

Additional resources

More information from your American Cancer Society

The following related information may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345.

• Infections in People With Cancer

• Should Cancer Patients Get A Flu Shot?

• After Diagnosis: A Guide for Patients and Families (also available in Spanish)

• A Message of Hope: Coping With Cancer in Everyday Life (also available in Spanish)

National organizations and Web sites*

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Toll-free number: 1-800-232-4636
Web site: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
For more information on swine flu and weekly activity updates

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Web site: http://pandemicflu.gov/index.html
For U.S. Government H1N1 (Swine) flu information and resources

*Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society.

No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.