Occupational Health - Communicable Diseases

KSU Q&A on Swine Flu

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a group of influenza type A viruses that normally causes flu in pigs. This is a novel strain of a H1N1 virus; it has parts developed from birds and swine. It has changed so that it appears that it can be passed from human to human like the seasonal flu. It is not part of the H5N1 viruses that causes severe disease.

What are the symptoms?

It appears that the early symptoms are similar to seasonal flu - cough, fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose, general fatigue, and muscle pains. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been noted. In a limited number of cases reported from Mexico, these have led to a pneumonia-like illness with difficulty breathing and even death.

Is this swine flu a severe illness?

As it is in most flu diseases, those who are at highest risk for severe disease are the elderly, those with lung or heart problems, or those who are either immuno-compromised (for example patient with AIDS or taking medications that lower the immune system like cancer drugs). However it is unknown how likely it is that those who get sick will suffer severe illness. Most cases in the United States to date have been mild and so far there have been no fatalities.

How is this swine flu spreading?

It is most likely spreading from person to person through infectious respiratory droplets (droplets generated when a person coughs or sneezes). It is possible that direct contact with infectious material by shaking hands with those who have coughed into their hands can transmit the flu virus.

How can I prevent getting sick?

• Be sure to wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand cleaner or soap and water for 15 seconds.
• Avoid people who are obviously sick and advise them to be seen at the KSU health services or their primary care clinician.
• Avoid touching your face, and if you do, be sure your hands are clean.
• Sneeze or cough into your shirt sleeve rather than your hands, although this may not protect you it may help protect others you care about.

What should I do if I get sick?

• Go to the KSU Village Walk-in Clinic
• Avoid contact with large groups by staying home until you are better or your primary care clinician tells you that you are no longer infectious to others.

What is the infectious period?

The infectious period for this strain is not yet known. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infected people should be considered potentially contagious:

• One day before their symptoms start
• Seven days after their symptoms start OR as long as they are still showing symptoms (whichever is longer)
• Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

If you are sick, you should avoid going to classes until you are either better or seen at any of the health service locations or by your primary care clinician.

If I were exposed, how long would it be until I would know if I will get  sick?

Although we are not sure of the exact time for this version of the flu, the majority of patients develop symptoms within about 4 days. However for this new strain of flu, the incubation period may be longer and the CDC and KSU Campus Health Clinic are asking for you to monitor their health for 7 days after possible exposure.

Is there a vaccine?

As the swine flu is a new strain of influenza there is no currently available vaccine. Students and employees should NOT assume that the regular vaccine will give them full protection and if they do get sick still seek medical attention.

As a general good health practice, people should make sure all of their routine vaccinations are up to date. This includes pneumococcal vaccination for certain adults. This vaccine is usually recommended for all people over 65 years old and younger people with serious long-term health problems (heart disease, diabetes, alcoholism, COPD, emphysema, asthma, cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS).

Should students/employees come in to be vaccinated against seasonal flu?

No, there is no evidence that the current flu vaccine will provide protection against this new swine flu at this time.

Can swine flu be treated with antiviral medications?

YES, preliminary information indicates that the virus is sensitive to the newer antiviral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). It is resistant to the older medications amantadine and rimantidine.

Can I catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products?

No.

Where can I get further information on the Swine Flu?

You can go to the KSU EHS&RM website  www.kennesaw.edu/ehs/pandemic or the CDC website at www.pandemicflu.gov which has up-to-date information for students, employees, and their parents on how to protect themselves.

Should I travel to Mexico? 

KSU Health Clinic is recommending that students/employees follow the recommendations of CDC. At this time is CDC is advising travelers to restrict travel to Mexico to essential travel only. We are now looking at recommendations for terms abroad for the summer, but not making any recommendations at this time until there is better data.

A student or employee is currently in Mexico. Should they return home?

Employees who are currently well can return home if they choose, but KSU is not requiring them to come home at this time. They should closely monitor their health and watch for flu-like symptoms. If they develop symptoms or are currently ill, they should seek medical attention in Mexico before attempting to return to the U.S.

A student/employee has recently returned from Mexico. Should they return to work?

Employees and students who are currently ill should not return to work until they receive medical attention. They should tell their health care provider that they have recently been to Mexico. Those who are not ill may return to school or work, but if they develop symptoms should go to the KSU Health Clinic.