What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to spread in the same way as the seasonal flu virus. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes a person may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What can you do to help protect yourself?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization; Web sites www.cdc.gov, www.who.int You are exiting the www.clorox.ca website. The Clorox Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.