The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a number of cases of swine flu in human adults and children living in several U.S. states. These cases have been reported as mild and treatable. While these cases are cause for concern, there is no cause for alarm. The American Lung Association is closely following this rapidly developing issue and will update this information as needed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular human seasonal influenza. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, and aches and pains. 

If you have symptoms

If you get mild flu symptoms, stay home to heal more quickly and prevent spread to others. If you get more severe flu symptoms, contact a health care provider. If you get flu symptoms and have had contact with someone who has recently arrived from Mexico, contact a health care provider.

Prevention

Swine flu is a lung disease which affects the whole body. It is contracted mainly by breathing in the virus on droplets from cough. The steps you take to help protect yourself, and prevent its spread are the same steps you would take to prevent the spread of regular seasonal flu: 

• Wash your hands often
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

For more on how to prevent the flu, visit our Flu and Cold Survival Guide

For more information

The latest information on this occurrence of swine flu can be found at the CDC Swine Flu resource page. CDC is updating this page regularly, and will be the best ongoing source of up to date information. The CDC has set up a toll-free CDC information telephone hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO. Additional CDC resources:
· Latest Swine Flu Information
· Key Facts about Swine Flu
· Downloadable Swine Flu Brochure
· Preventing the Flu
· Información en español

Your state health department is also a good source of helpful, local information.   You can find contact information for your state department of health here.

The American Lung Association has additional helpful information about the flu and how to protect yourself and your family.

• Flu and Cold Survival Guide
• Diseases A to Z: Influenza
• Influenza Fact Sheet
• The Faces of Influenza