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If
you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much
as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. For more
information, go to flu.gov
  
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1)
virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time,
it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
 What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in
people?
Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache,
chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated
with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure)
and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal
flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu
spread?
Spread of swine influenza A (HINl) 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. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
 How can someone with the
flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others
beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming
sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before
you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep
from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to
stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage
your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch
surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with
people who are sick.
How long can an infected
person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be
considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible
for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children,
might potentially be contagious for longer periods. 
What can I do to protect
myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect
against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread
of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Getting the seasonal flu
shot is important, too.
Take these everyday steps
to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash
after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also
effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends
that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep
from infecting them.
What is the best way to
keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing? 
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people
as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and
nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you
from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the wastebasket. Cover your cough or
sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time
you cough or sneeze.
What should I do if I get
sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have
been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever,
body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may
want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about
your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza
testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home
and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading
your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of
the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children
emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: 
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child doesn't want to
be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with a
fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults
emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
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