Pig Influenza Virus / Testimonial in Mexico

Swine Influenza is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. This strain of influenza virus is unique because it is a combination of swine, bird, and human influenza viruses and is directly transmitted from pigs to humans.

The virus is transmitted in a similar way as seasonal influenza is transmitted - that is through direct close contact with infected animals and people. For people in close contact with pigs, the recommendations to avoid infection are the same as for regular seasonal influenza – frequent hand washing, getting an annual flu shot, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. Once contracted, the virus is spread by coughing and sneezing of infected people. It is not passed on by eating pork meat.

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in Mexico, the United States of America, Canada and New Zealand. There are reports that the virus has also been detected in the United Kingdom, Israel and France. At this stage no cases have been recorded in Australia.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal influenza, with infected individuals reporting flu-like symptoms of fever, aches and pains, sore throats, coughing and trouble breathing. Some people have also reported diarrhoea and vomiting.

There is no vaccine for Swine Influenza and treatment is the same as that of Seasonal Influenza.

At the moment, there are no restrictions on traveling to these countries; however you may be asked questions related to your health status at border and immigration control in a number of countries, including entering Australia.

If you are planning travel to these areas, the following recommendations will help you to reduce your risk of infection.

1. Consider delaying your travel in areas of high infection.

2. Monitor the International Situation

3. Prepare for your trip before you leave

a. Visit the Smart Traveller web site for updated travel advisories - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Mexico

b. Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date, including seasonal influenza vaccine if available.

c. Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting.

4. If you are visiting an area affected by swine Influenza -

a. You are advised to reconsider travelling in areas affected by swine influenza.

b. Pay attention to announcements from the local government.

c. Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.

5. Practice infection control measures to help stop the spread of influenza –

a. Wash your hands often with soap and water. This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading.

b. Use water less alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.

c. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.

d. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Do not spit.

e. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel.

Follow all local health recommendations. For example, you may be asked to put on a surgical mask to protect others.

Seek medical care if you feel sick. When you see the Doctor, tell them your ?
· Symptoms,
· If you have travelled in an infected area, and
· If you have had close contact with a sick person or farm animals.

After you return from your trip, pay close attention to your health. If you become sick with a fever plus a cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing during within a 10-day period, you are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Information contained in this Bulletin is provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Center for Diseases Control (CDC) USA, NSW Health Department and the Public Health Center of Canada.