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Flu Advisory

Information for:

If you have a fever and flu, contact goodhealth@augie.edu—or call 605.274.5552

Flu Vaccination (H1N1) Clinic Information Form (.pdf, 100 KB)

Augustana College is happy to report that, "On August 10, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic globally," per www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

 

Augustana monitored the spread of the H1N1 Flu through the public health advisories (e.g., timely alerts, distribution of accurate information and educational materials) from the South Dakota Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA). Students, their parents and family, faculty, and staff can be assured that necessary precautions and planning were taken by the College to mitigate the spread of both strains of the flu virus during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Augustana continues to urge everyone to receive flu shots (for both H1N1 flu and seasonal flu) as an effective measure to prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses. We continue to anticipate a likely wave of flu later this winter and/or early spring.

For students:
Student Health & Counseling Services, located in Solberg Hall is giving flu shots during normal office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 1:30 -2:30 p.m. H1N1 flu shots are free of charge. The cost for a seasonal flu shot is $13.60 and will be billed to your Augustana account. You cannot bill this to insurance.

For faculty/staff/students and family members:
An H1N1 flu vaccination event is scheduled for Thursday, January 28, at MariCar Community Center, 400 North Valley View Road in Sioux Falls. This flu shot clinic will run from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and is free to the public.

Friday, December 11

H1N1 Flu Shots Available On-Campus

Augustana will host an H1N1 flu vaccination clinic in the Morrison Commons (Back Alley) on Tuesday, December 15, from 1:00-6:00 p.m. This public health event is sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Health along with Sanford Health, Avera Health and Regional Health. This December 15 flu clinic is the College’s second major opportunity for students to receive H1N1 flu vaccine this fall semester. H1N1 flu shots are completely voluntary, and there is no charge for the vaccination. Because the vaccine is being made available free of charge by the SD Department of Health, this flu clinic is open to the public.

Augustana urges everyone to receive flu shots as an effective measure to prevent the spread of flu-like-illnesses. This is a particularly important time for students to be immunized as most will be travelling over the holiday break—including many students who will be travelling and studying abroad during January Term and Spring Semester.

The College reminds students that seasonal flu shots are also available on-campus at Student Health & Counseling Services (refer to the December 3, advisory, below). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that any individual who previously suffered from a suspected case of H1N1 without a lab confirmation should still receive the H1N1 vaccine.

Flu shots offered on December 15 are available to everyone. As more H1N1 vaccination clinics are scheduled, they will be posted on this Web site and on South Dakota’s Department of Health Web site, http://h1n1.sd.gov.

To speed up the vaccination process on Tuesday, December 15, you are encouraged to complete the “Flu Vaccination Clinic Information Form” (also located in upper-right blue box of this page). Bring the completed form to the flu clinic. Blank forms will also be available on Tuesday in the Back Alley.

Thursday, December 3

Here is the most current information available concerning flu shots for students, faculty and staff. The vaccine for both strains of the flu (seasonal and H1N1) is strongly recommended as a primary prevention for “Influenza-Like-Illnesses.

Seasonal Flu Shots
Effective immediately, seasonal flu vaccine is available for students. Flu shots are available in the Student Health & Counseling Office (located in Solberg Hall). Medical staff will be available from 8:30-1:00 and 1:30-2:30 weekdays.

The cost of the shot is $13.60 and will be billed to your Augie account. You cannot bill this to insurance.

H1N1 Flu Shots
Two flu clinics with free H1N1 vaccine are scheduled for December 3, in Sioux Falls at Washington High School and Roosevelt High School. The flu shots will be available beginning at 4:30 and ending at 8:00 p.m. (or earlier if the vaccine supply is run out). The Health Department expects that each high school site will have 800 to 900 doses of vaccine. Health officials ask that you not arrive before 4:15 p.m.

The distribution of the vaccine is on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to bring personal identification and be prepared to answer a few health-related questions. These public flu clinics are for anyone 6 months to 24 years, adults 25 to 64 with chronic conditions, pregnant women, health and emergency workers, and caregivers of infants under 6 months.

Augustana College expects that H1N1 vaccine will again be made available to all students, faculty and staff in the near future when the SD Department of Health receives vaccine for the entire population.
 

Tuesday, November 10

A limited number (500 doses) of H1N1 nasal mist and injection-type vaccines will be offered on Thursday, November 12, 2009. The vaccines will be distributed from 2:00 through 6:00 p.m. (or until the supply runs out) in the Morrison Commons’ Back Alley. The distribution of the vaccine is on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to bring your Augie I.D. and be prepared to answer a few health-related questions.

The South Dakota Department of Health is making the H1N1 vaccine free to Augustana College. Because the supply is limited, the vaccine will be given to those who meet the Centers for Disease Control’s high-risk priority groups defined as Tier 1 and Tier 2 priorities – see below.

  • Tier 1: pregnant women, students/faculty/staff in healthcare settings
  • Tier 2: students (24 yrs and younger), persons of any age with a health condition that put them in a higher risk for flu related complications

We recommend that most people should be vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine regardless of whether they had a flu-like illness earlier in the semester. If you had H1N1 flu, confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should have some immunity and can choose not to get the H1N1 vaccine. It is important for you to be aware that any immunity from a previous H1N1 influenza infection or vaccination will not provide protection against the seasonal flu. For protection from seasonal flu, you should still get the seasonal flu vaccine.

This week’s shipment of H1N1 vaccine is the first to be received by the College. Augustana expects to receive additional supplies of H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines this fall semester.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

After experiencing a major wave of flu-like illnesses on the campus in the past 7-10 days, we believe that the number of illnesses has peaked for at least the present time. Reported cases of the flu have decreased in the past 24 hours as we prepare for a welcomed mid-semester break (October 24-27). Furthermore, we are seeing that students who have been ill earlier are recovering in less than a week.

Many have inquired about the availability for flu shots. The following information provides you with an overview about flu vaccination opportunities on our campus. As more detailed information becomes available in the near future, we’ll communicate this immediately on the Web site.

  1. Augustana ran out of the seasonal flu vaccine more than two weeks ago. We expect to have vaccine available for students by mid-November.
  2. Members of the College’s Flu Task Force met with representatives of an emergency preparedness task force within our local community to determine potential dates and a location to administer the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine since Augustana has a large target population. Target populations are groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which should receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it is available to the College. In general, people ages six months to 24 years are identified as a target population.
  3. A flu shot clinic will be scheduled on-campus in early- to mid-November.
  4. We can expect that students and staff, ages 24 years or younger, and others identified in high risk health groups can receive the H1N1 vaccine at no charge.

Augustana reminds everyone that vigilance is still needed even if the risk for contracting the flu appears low right now. Public health officials urge all of us to remember the flu risk has not passed, nor has it hit its peak. We still believe that the normal seasonal flu season (November through February) will affect all of us at Augustana College. Please continue to use the same good practices that have protected you and limited the spread of the flu virus to others.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Beginning late last week, the College began to see a significant increase of students experiencing flu-like illnesses. Already this week, about 100 students are reported to be ill with the flu and we expect that number to increase in the next few days. Our on-campus Health Service has doubled their staffing and extended their hours to meet the growing need for health care.

The College is recommending that students who are experiencing flu-like illnesses go home to recover if conditions and distance is reasonable. This allows them to be more comfortable and helps keep other Augustana students, faculty and staff from getting sick.

For those unable to go home, we are recommending that students self-isolate in their room or other local housing. This also means that ill students should not be attending class, eating in the dining room or Huddle, or going to on- or off-campus jobs. Our residence life staff is assisting “well” students to identify temporary housing. The dining services staff is also preparing take-out meals (sick trays).

Because our on-campus health service is seeing such as larger number of students, our best intention to communicate with faculty about flu-related absences from class is not possible at this time. Therefore, we are requesting that ill students make contact (e-mail) with faculty as soon as they can. Both Health Services and Dean of Students Office are maintaining a log of students who have been diagnosed with the flu and/or have communicated with us about their illness. Faculty members, feel free to contact my office if you would like information about specific student absences.

Finally, you are encouraged to notify the College if you or others are experiencing a flu-like illness. Please inform us by sending an e-mail to goodhealth@augie.edu.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Augustana is now seeing increasing numbers of students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms and we expect that trend to continue with increasing numbers this fall semester. In addition to taking good care of your own health, we also have a collective responsibility to each other to minimize the spread of the illness. You can do this by taking the following actions.

  1. Practice good hand hygiene and cover coughs and sneezes.
  2. Please, if you are experiencing flu-like-symptoms, stay in your room/home, do not go to class/work, and avoid attending group activities like athletic events, and eating in the Commons and local restaurants.
  3. Inform the College when you are experiencing a flu-like-illness (fever > 100° AND cough and/or sore throat). In an effort to monitor the extent to which our campus is being affected by the flu, we are asking students, faculty and staff to contact Student Health & Counseling Services – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Phone: 605.274.5552 (leave a message if no answer); Email: goodhealth@augie.edu.
  4. Get a flu shot. Seasonal flu shots have been available to students for the past month at Student Health & Counseling Services. Because the demand for seasonal flu shots has been so great, we recently ran out of vaccine. We expect a new shipment to arrive soon. Please call Student Health & Counseling Services at 605.274.5552 to place your name on a waiting list for the seasonal flu vaccine.

We anticipate that H1N1 vaccine will be available for higher-risk populations by late October. Persons identified to be at higher risk are young adults between the ages of 19 to 24, pregnant women, persons who have existing medical conditions (heart condition, asthma, diabetes, etc.), and persons working in health care and child care settings. Eligible students in high-risk populations will be notified by e-mail when the vaccine is available.

In an August KSFY newscast, Jim Bies, Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students, addressed the threat of the H1N1 flu and how Augustana is preparing to keep students safe and healthy during the upcoming academic year.

Friday, Sept. 4, 2009

The following information has been emailed to students and they will be reminded again during next week's Validation process on campus.

STUDENT SEASONAL FLU SHOT CLINICS (Students Only!)

TUES., SEPT. 8 8:30-3:00 Siverson Lounge (Commons)
WED., SEPT. 16 9:00-2:00 Siverson Lounge (Commons)

Flu shots will also be available in the Student Health & Counseling Office (located in Solberg Hall) beginning Wed., Sept. 9. The nurse is available from 8:30-1:00 and 1:30-2:30 weekdays.

The cost of the shot is $13.60 and will be billed to your Augie account. You cannot bill this to insurance. Visit www.augie.edu/flu for flu information.

Friday, August 28, 2009

With fall semester classes beginning in less than two weeks, we continue to emphasize the importance of practicing effective personal hygiene. Following are the three most effective ways to keep from getting sick with the flu.

  1. Practice good hand hygiene—wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective.
  2. Cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
  3. Stay away from others if you experience flu-like symptoms to prevent others from getting sick. If you are sick, avoid close contact with others—do not attend class, college activities or work.

If you have flu-like symptoms...
We are advising persons experiencing flu-like illness to self-isolate in their residence hall room, home or other residence. Isolation should last for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever of 100° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) or signs of a fever such as chills, flushed appearance, or sweating. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications such as any medicine containing ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check on you and to bring food and supplies if needed.

If a student is experiencing flu-like symptoms...
Students are urged to contact Student Health and Counseling (605.274.5552). Expanded access to medical staff at the Solberg Hall location is in place for the fall semester. The College recommends that students in college housing go home if they live relatively close to the campus. Augie’s housing and dining services departments are developing procedures to accommodate students who are unable to leave the campus.

Vaccination and additional information...
Augustana College wishes to emphasize that this flu advisory and future advisories will address concerns related to all varieties of flu and flu-like illnesses. We will offer on-campus flu vaccination opportunities for the student body this fall semester, both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. The College encourages students to receive a seasonal flu shot—available in late September. We expect that the H1N1 Flu vaccine will be available in late-October or early November for students (18-24 years old) and other high-risk populations. Vaccination details for both strains of flu will be released as soon as information is available.

Since the last advisory report on August 14, the spread of flu in the Upper Midwest has continued to be sporadic. We will strive to report confirmed cases of the flu from neighboring states as this information is made available from each state’s department of health.

Confirmed Cases of H1N1 Flu
As of 8/28/2009 As of 8/14/2009 As of 5/20/2009
Augustana College 0 0 0
South Dakota 92 79 4
Minnehaha and
Lincoln Counties
 16
 

 

Friday, August 14, 2009

Augustana College is advised by state and national public health authorities to plan for a potential second wave of H1N1 Flu or (now referred to as) “Novel H1N1 Flu.” For clarification purposes, a first wave of this strain of flu was experienced across the country last spring. Because the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu in the U.S. has continued to increase over the summer months (typically a period when the flu is not prevalent), there is a reasonable expectation that cases of the flu will continue to grow as students return to school.

Though South Dakota’s experiencing relatively low numbers of confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu, our close proximity to Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, motivates us to also report those states’ confirmed cases.

Confirmed Cases of H1N1 Flu
As of 8/14/2009 As of 5/20/2009
Augustana College 0 0
South Dakota 79 4
Iowa 229 71
Minnesota 257 39
Nebraska 313 28

There are no State Department travel advisories in effect that could impact college-sponsored study abroad programs this fall semester due to the H1N1 Flu.

Everyone at the College is urged to practice proper hygiene, including frequent hand-washing and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. General information about good hygiene practices and current facts about the flu virus and its transmission is found below.

Hand Washing and Cough Etiquette

H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Influenza are spread by unclean hands and coughing or sneezing. To help stop the spread of germs, clean your hands frequently (every half hour) and after coughing and sneezing.

  • Wash with soap and water.
  • Clean with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not into your hands.
  • Place used tissues in a waste basket.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some persons have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions may be more seriously impacted by H1N1 Flu.

Good Health Habits, Self Care and Medical Care

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious meals. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (as identified above):

  • Stay at home or your residence hall room.
  • Do not go to class or work, nor attend group activities where you will have contact with classmates or co-workers.
  • If you must go into the campus community or local community (e.g., to seek medical care), take precautions to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
  • If you develop more serious signs and symptoms of illness, like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe persistent vomiting, or dizziness or confusion, you should seek medical care immediately.
  • Students experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact Health and Counseling Services at 605.274.5552.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Augustana continues to closely follow developments in South Dakota and elsewhere with the H1N1 flu. Weekend graduation ceremonies and other campus activities are proceeding as planned at this time. A low number of  H1N1 flu cases are confirmed in South Dakota (4), North Dakota (5), and other nearby states—Minnesota (39), Iowa (71) and Nebraska (28). No confirmed cases are identified on campuses within a three-state area.

Everyday, preventive actions to stop the spread of germs are encouraged, including frequent hand washing; those who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others to limit further spread of the disease.

Friday, May 8, 2009

H1N1 flu has now been diagnosed in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Symptoms of H1N1 flu are very similar to seasonal influenza: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Students, faculty and staff may contact amy.meyers@augie.edu or 605.274.4726 for questions or concerns.

To prevent the spread of H1N1 flu, members of the campus community should follow these everyday actions to stay healthy:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your arm sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Do not reuse tissue.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid others with respiratory illnesses
  • If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The following information has been emailed to students, faculty members, and administrative staff.

 

Information regarding Swine Flu

As of Monday, April 27, 40 cases of swine flu were reported in the United States. The following information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives details regarding the spread of swine flu as well as how to help protect yourself. Swine flu has NOT been diagnosed in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa or Nebraska. For additional information and Swine Flu updates visit the Centers for Disease Control page. You can also contact amy.meyers@augie.edu or 605.274.4726 for questions or concerns.

Questions & Answers
Swine Influenza and You

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

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

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

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

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

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 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 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 most important: wash your hands. 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 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, liquid or an inhaler) 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 make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started 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 possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially 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 a 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 their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the 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.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the 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.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them 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, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need 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 severity 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 serious. 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 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.