Five Facts About Swine Flu

1. Can You Get The Swine Flu From Eating Pork?  No.  You can not get the Swine Flu from eating pork.  H1N1 is a respiratory virus, so it can only be transmitted by coiffing and sneezing.  You can, however, become sick with the Swine Flu from being in contact with a pork’s bodily fluids.
2. Can Face Masks Protect Me?  Yes and No.  Although the large pieces of virus can not pass through the mask, the actual virus can.  Wearing a mask will help, but washing your hands and staying 3-4 feet away from another person will be more effective.
3. How Many Swine Flu Viruses Are There?  Over the years, many different types of the Swine Flu have arose.  There are currently, however, only 4 types of the virus that can be transmitted by pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1.
4. How Can Human Infections With The Swine Influenza Be Diagnosed?  To diagnose a Swine Flu infection, a respiratory specimen would need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness.  The sooner the better.
5. Is There Currently A Vaccination For The Swine Flu?  No.  Unfortunately, there is currently not a vaccination for the H1N1 virus.  The good news, scientists are working together to find a cure.

Image via The South Of Iowa