SWINE FLUWhat is it?

What can I do?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

Don’t Panic…stay tuned

We hope that this information will help you to understand

“swine flu” and to improve your awareness of local responses

and activities

SWINE FLU

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

The Lowell Health Department is talking with the

State Health officials on a regular basis

SWINE FLU

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

The Lowell Health Department is talking with the

(2) local hospitals, Fire and Police on a regular basis.

SWINE FLU

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a

type of flu virus.

SWINE FLUWhat is it?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs

• People can get it (but not usually)• It can spread from person to

person just like seasonal flu spreads

SWINE FLUWhat is it?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• Mexico and Canada• In the United States

–California–Kansas–New York City–Ohio–Texas

SWINE FLUWhere is it?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• Very similar to seasonal flu• Fever• Cough• Sore throat• Body aches• Headache• Chills• Fatigue• Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

SWINE FLUWhat are the symptoms?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• If you have symptoms andespecially if you have traveledto where there have been human cases of swine flu–Call your doctor –Your doctor will know how to

test you

SWINE FLUHow do I know if I have it?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• If you recently traveled to an area affected by swine flu– Watch for any flu like symptoms– Call your doctor if you develop

flu like symptoms– Identification of swine flu requires

special laboratory testing

SWINE FLUWhat if I traveled recently?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• Treat this like the seasonal flu.• Protect yourself and loved ones

the same way. • Avoid hugging and kissing

anyone with a cold or the flu

SWINE FLUWhat can I do?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• Wash your hands often• Avoid touching nose, mouth or eyes• Use cough etiquette (cough into your

elbow)• If you get sick with flu – STAY HOME• Your doctor will tell you if you need to

take antivirals

SWINE FLUWhat can I do?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• Right now, there is NO vaccine for swine flu

• You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products

SWINE FLU

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

• The websites listed below offer frequent updates

• Call 211 for more information• Call the Health Department

– 978-970-4010 Press 5 (or) ext 9-4304• Call Mass DPH

– 1-617-983-6800

SWINE FLUFor more information

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

SWINE FLUWhat is it?

What can I do?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu

Don’t Panic…stay tuned