Seriously, it’s called “Swine Flu and You”.
*facepalm* Nice title, guys.
Other than that, I’m of the “information:fear::water:wicked witch” school of thought, so Look! You get the most useful info from the CDC’s page on the currently spreading “swine flu” epidemic. People in Cali and Texas especially, take note. Swine flu spreads like regular flu and can be nasty; death is rare but possible.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in San Diego County or Imperial County California or Guadalupe County, Texas 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 their 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. [This is always true. Always! --Ed.]
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 does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with 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
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. [Also, it's the Other White Meat, which sorta makes you sound like a cannibal, esp. if you know what "long pig" means. --Ed.]