Can You Get Swine Flu From Eating Pork?

In a word, no. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swine flu cannot be transmitted in food (see Reference 1). However, swine influenza viruses can be passed between swine and people. That said, a more common culprit of spreading the virus to humans is other humans because most of us come into a lot more contact with people than we do pigs. Here are some facts to know regarding contracting and spreading the swine flu virus.

Human-to-Human Spread

• The H1N1 influenza is a virus circulating worldwide as of 2009 that is similar to influenza viruses that normally circulate in pigs. The World Health Organization identified it as a pandemic on June 11, 2009 (see Reference 2).

  H1N1 spreads from human to human in the same way that other seasonal influenzas do. It can be passed through a sneeze or a cough by an infected individual, or by an uninfected individual touching a surface contaminated by the virus and then touching her nose or mouth.

Prevention

• A vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 virus is in production and might be ready in the fall of 2009 for public distribution.

  The most important way to prevent contracting or passing the H1N1 virus now is regular hand washing. Wash your hands with warm soap and water often, scrubbing for at least 10 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, substitute an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub it into your hands until they feel dry.

  Avoid contact with sick people and touching your mouth, nose and eyes.

  If you have H1N1, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, then throw the tissue away and clean your hands.

  If you are infected, you should stay home if possible until 24 hours after your fever has subsided, except to seek medical care.

Treatment

• Anti-viral drugs can lessen symptoms and speed recovery from the H1N1 flu as with other influenzas. The CDC recommends oseltamivir or zanamivir for the 2009 H1N1. Currently, the priority for these drugs goes to those with severe cases and those who have a health condition that places them at higher risk than the general population. This includes people over age 65, under age 5, pregnant women and some people with other chronic health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, asthma and heart disease.