H1N1 (Swine) Influenza s a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 (Swine) Flu, but human infections can and do happen.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) Flu in humans?
The symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) Flu in humans are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, severe fatigue, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with Swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How does H1N1 (Swine) Flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission of H1N1 (Swine) Flu can also occur. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and when touching their mouth or nose.

Can people catch H1N1 (Swine) Flu from eating pork?
No. H1N1 (Swine) influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get H1N1 (Swine) Influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the Swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How serious is H1N1 (Swine) Flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (Swine) flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.

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 touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (Swine) influenza viruses. Anti-viral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, anti-viral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, anti-viral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

If I got a flu shot, am I protected from getting H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
No. The H1N1 (Swine) flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 (Swine) flu viruses.

What can I do to stay healthy?
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• 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.
sanitizers are effective as a temporary fix. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick or people who have recently traveled or been in contact with people who have recently traveled to Mexico.

What do I do if I get sick?

• If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, contact the Ashe Center, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. We will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
• If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people to avoid spreading your illness to others.

The American Psychological Association has published an article with tips you can use to help manage your anxiety about H1N1 (Swine Flu). The following outlines several steps you can take to have a more positive outlook.

Keep Things in Perspective
Government & University officials need to prepare for worse-case scenarios to protect the public and our campus. The public, however, does not need to expect the worst. To date, the cases that have been identified in the U.S are not severe and almost all Americans who have contracted the illness have recovered.

Get the Facts
Be proactive by gathering information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. The Ashe Center website, www.studenthealth.ucla.edu, has information, tips, and links to credible information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Los Angeles County Public Health Department. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so it is important to gather information from credible sources and at regular intervals.

Maintain a Hopeful Outlook
Public health agencies around the globe are working on identifying outbreaks of the illness and to ensure the availability of the best medical care to those who are sick. The Ashe Center and sister organizations such as the Counseling Center are here for you.

Stay Healthy
A healthy lifestyle—including proper diet and exercise—is your best defense against any disease threat. Adopting simple respiratory hygiene habits such as washing your hands regularly will also minimize your exposure to all types of germs and disease sources. A healthy body can also have a positive impact on your thoughts and emotions.

Build Resilience
Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, threats, or significant sources of stress. Draw on the skills you have used in the past that have helped you manage life's adversities and use those skills to help you manage your emotions during this difficult time.

Have a Plan
Think about how you might respond if Swine Flu was discovered in our area. Stock up on non-perishable foods, find about what resources are available, and have a family emergency plan. Working out some of these scenarios in advance can help lessen your anxiety.

Keep Connected
Maintaining social networks can foster a sense of normality and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress.

Seek Additional Help
If you have intense feelings of anxiety or are having trouble performing in class, at work, or other daily activities, you may want to explore the options The Counseling Center has to offer. Visit their website at: www.counseling.ucla.edu or call their appointment line at (310) 825-0768. Remember, the Ashe Center is also here for you. Visit our website, www.studenthealth.ucla.edu, for more information.