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Can You Be Contagious with Swine Flu & Not Know It?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 36,000 flu-related deaths occur annually. Following simple preventative measures can help control the spread of the swine flu, especially before symptoms appear.

  1. Contagious Period of the Swine Flu

    • The swine flu becomes contagious as early as one day before symptoms appear. A standard bout of swine flu will leave most patients with a continuing contagious period that lasts five to six days after becoming sick, according to the CDC.

    At-Home Preventative Measures

    • It is impossible to know another person has swine flu until he is showing symptoms or has been clinically diagnosed. Therefore, preventative measures, such as washing hands with soap and water and covering one's mouth when sneezing or coughing are imperative to help prevent spread of the disease.

    Vaccination for Prevention

    • The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and swine flu. This measure can help prevent transmission of the virus during a contagious period, including before symptoms appear.

    How Swine Flu Is Spread

    • According to the CDC, swine flu is spread primarily through the coughs and sneezes of infected people. It is also believed to be transmitted by touching an infected object, then touching your mouth or nose with the infected hand. Therefore, it is easy for a contagious person who has not shown any symptoms to make others sick.

    Treatment for Swine Flu

    • If a person becomes ill, she must be tested within two days of the first symptoms for a proper diagnosis. Doctors can prescribe antiviral medication for certain at-risk groups, if necessary. Rest, fluids and avoiding contact with other people until the fever has been gone for more than 24 hours is recommended by the CDC.

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