The Swine Influenza Virus
Background on this virus
Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused
by one of several swine influenza A viruses. The current virus is of the H1N1 subtype, but other
subtypes are also circulating in pigs.
Transmission Method
Pigs can catch human and avian or bird flu. When flu viruses from different species infect pigs,
they can mix inside the pig and new, mixed viruses that can infect humans can emerge.
Transmission among humans is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu -- by touching
something with flu viruses and then touching their mouth or nose, and through coughing or
sneezing.
People cannot catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Cooking pork to an internal
temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) kills the swine flu virus as it does
other bacteria and viruses.
Symptoms Of Infection
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of seasonal influenza -- sudden fever,
coughing, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Consult a doctor if you develop any of symptoms.
You should highlight to the doctor any possible contacts that you might have such as:
i. Travelling to US, Canada and Mexico,
ii. In contact with patients with flu or pneumonia,
iii. In contact with live animals such as pigs in affected areas.
Prevention
There is no current travelling restriction to United States of America eg. Southern California and
Texas and Mexico. Avoid travel if possible. However if you do travel to such places, you should
note the followings
1. Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of influenza or pneumonia.
2. Avoid crowded areas and areas with poor ventilation.
3. Observe good personal and environmental hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with
soap and water frequently and when they are contaminated by respiratory
secretions e.g. after sneezing.
4. Avoid using bare hands to rub eyes, mouth and nose without washing.
5. Eat well cooked pork dishes.
6. Avoid pig rearing areas and pig farms.
7. Have proper hand washing after handling animals eg pigs.
8. Be updated with the seasonal flu vaccination
Treatment
Anti-viral drugs may be administered by the medical practitioner for treatment of all probable
cases.
Current influenza vaccination does not confer any protection against the swine flu virus.
However vaccination is still necessary because if you come down with flu like symptoms after
vaccination, then there is higher alert as to whether you may have contracted the swine flu or
avian flu. Early treatment can then be initiated.
Vaccination is contraindicated for the following groups of people:
1. Age <6 months
2. 1st trimester of pregnancy. Vaccination is alright to be given for 2nd and 3rd
trimester
3. Egg allergy such as urticaria, angioedema or anaphylaxis
4. Allergy to previous influenza vaccination such as urticaria, angioedema or
anaphylaxis
5. Develops Guillain-Barre syndrome (weakness or paralysis of muscles) from
previous influenza vaccination. This risk is very rare and is estimated at 1 or 2
cases per 1 million vaccinated patients.
6. Acute illness with fever. Should delay vaccination till after recovery from illness
Adults and previously vaccinated children only require single dose vaccination. Previously
unvaccinated children, age > 6 months to 9 years, should receive 2 doses given at least 1
month apart. You may get mild soreness or fever after 1-2 days from the vaccination.
Warmest regards,
