Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease caused by ‘Type A’ influenza virus that is contagious. While there is no reason for alarm yet in Pakistan, however, everyone needs to exercise due caution since few cases of death resulting from swine flu have been reported in the country.

What are signs and symptoms of Swine Flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of a regular flu. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore, throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, difficulty in breathing, pain in abdomen, persistent vomiting among others.

How does Swine Flu spread?

The Flu virus is spread mainly from an infected person to anyone through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people get infected through respiratory droplets from an infected person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, child’s toy, phone handset to name a few.

How can you be safe?

- Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissue in the trash after using it.

- Avoid close contact with people infected with swine flu.

- If you get sick from Swine influenza (swine flu), stay at home and limit your contact with others to keep from spreading the disease.

- Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine.

- Blow your nose once a day and swab both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water.

- Drink warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc).

- Seek medical help upon discovering initial symptoms as mentioned above.