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Swine Flu Information

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) are closely monitoring human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection identified in the United States.

Swine influenza A (H1N1) symptoms
The 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.

How it spreads
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. 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.

Precautionary measures
As a precautionary measure, schools are encouraged to review their emergency preparedness plans and encourage students and staff to follow the same everyday actions used to prevent the spread of any cold or flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather than your hands, if a tissue is not available.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

More information
For the latest information related to human cases of swine flu, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm or http://www.in.gov/isdh/.