Roanoke College

Swine Flu Q&A


What is swine flu?

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

Any Roanoke College student who develops flu-like symptoms should contact Health Services immediately at (540) 375-2286 or Campus Safety after office hours, (540) 375-2310.

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

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and for up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and foremost: wash your hands well with soap and warm water. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquids or inhalers) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and help you feel better faster. They also may prevent serious flu complications from the flu. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started very soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following the onset of illness. Children, especially younger children, may be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her eyes, mouth or nose before washing the hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live for 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks. Frequent hand washing will help reduce the chances of getting contaminated from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs commonly spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you or a family member becomes ill with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school and avoid public places if you are ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. This may prevent those around you from getting sick. Immediately place your used tissue in a waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. We recommend that you wash your hands-with soap and warm water-for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. These are available for purchase in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms (including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea), you may want to contact a health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.


For children, emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in seriousness from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be more severe. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died eight days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey, occurred in 1976 causing more than 200 people to become ill. Several cases were serious, and one death resulted.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?