Dr. Waters talks swine flu with FOX10

MOBILE, Ala. - As the number of people contracting the swine flu grows, so do concerns and questions about the virus.

So far in the U.S., there has been one confirmed death. A 23-month-old Mexican child died in Houston. At least five people have been hospitalized with the virus and the number of confirmed cases has risen to 66.

Dr. Darren Waters from the Greater Urgent Care Center talked to FOX10 about how to recognize symptoms, and how to avoid getting sick. Click here to send Dr. Waters your question about swine flu. He'll answer some of the questions live during the 7:30 a.m. show on Friday.

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WHAT IS SWINE FLU?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED? HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

HOW DO WE AVOID GETTING SICK?

Cover your cough or sneeze with a sleeve or tissue. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose with your hands. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them. Patients experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek health care and treatment.

This information was taken from the Centers for Disease Control Web site.