The Indiana State Department of Health is reporting a dozen cases of swine flu. All but one of those diagnosed with “variant influenza A” had direct contact with swine, either at a county fair or their home.
There were more than 130 cases of the H3N2v strain identified in Hoosiers last year. Human infections with swine flu are rare, with most occurring after close proximity to live infected pigs. The illness cannot be transmitted by eating pork and pork products.
Health experts recommend you wash your hands after touching any animal, and not eat, drink or put anything in your mouth when visiting animal areas. People at high risk for flu complications should avoid close contact with swine in the fair setting particularly.
Symptoms of variant influenza A include: fever, cough, sore throat, chills, headache and muscle aches. Diarrhea and nausea may occur in children. Symptoms can begin approximately one to four days after being exposed to the illness and last from two to seven days.
For more information about variant influenza A H3N2v is HERE.