“It’s important for folks to remember this is a mild illness with symptoms similar to what we see with seasonal flu,” said State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. “Because this is a relatively new strain of flu, only first seen in July of last year, a vaccine is not yet available. However, you can help to protect yourself by practicing thorough and frequent hand washing and by being mindful not to eat around barn animals.”

Flu symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms may last anywhere from three to eight days.

To avoid influenza and other respiratory infections, Hoosiers are reminded to follow these simple practices:

• Wash your hands frequently, including before and after touching animals.
• Never eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth when visiting animal areas. 
• Older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animals. 
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. 
• If possible, avoid contact with those who are ill. 
• Stay home if you develop influenza symptoms and contact your health care provider. 

Health officials have not determined person-to-person transmission at this time, but continue to investigate the possibility. Variant Influenza A virus can be directly transmitted from swine to people and from people to swine. Human infections are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to live infected pigs, such as working with them in barns and livestock exhibits at fairs. Influenza viruses are not transmitted by eating pork and pork products.

Additional information regarding influenza can be found at the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.in.gov/isdh/25462.htm.