Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones. Swine Flu in some cases can spread to humans.
In response to recent outbreaks in Mexico and in the United States, WHO (World Health Organization) raised the pandemic alert one level to phase 4, meaning human-to-human transmission is causing outbreaks, which is two steps short of declaring a full-blown pandemic.
Below are some steps recommended by the WHO for preventing the spread of Swine Flu:
In the past, human infection with swine influenza was generally mild but is known to have caused severe illness such as pneumonia For the current outbreaks in the United States and Mexico however, the clinical pictures have been different. None of the confirmed cases in the United States have had the severe form of the disease and the patients recovered from illness without requiring medical care. In Mexico, some patients reportedly had the severe form of the disease.
To protect yourself, practice general preventive measures for influenza:
- Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.
- Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
PJP Vendor Guides regarding Swine Flu:
Below are a listing of guides created by manufacturers regarding the use of their products and swine flu prevention. Please use the following documents as a resource. Any further questions regarding an individual product should be directed to PJP Customer Service or the Manufacturer.
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