What is swine flu?
As the name suggests, swine flu is an influenza A virus that is found in pigs. The virus causes a respiratory illness that spreads easily between pigs but is rarely fatal. As is the case with human flu, outbreaks of the virus usually occur in the late fall and winter but can spread from pig to pig throughout the year.
If it is found in pigs, why are humans getting sick?
Typically, swine flu infects only pigs. However, it is possible for the virus to infect humans. This usually occurs in people who are around pigs such as pig farmers, people who work in pig processing plants, or in children who are around pigs or live near pig farms. The current swine flu is thought to have entered the human population because the people initially infected live adjacent to a large pig farm in Mexico.
Have there been other swine flu outbreaks in humans?
The reported incidence of swine flu in humans has been really rare; typically only a couple cases every few years. But there have been times of larger outbreaks similar to what happened starting in May 2009. In 1976, there was the threat of a swine flu outbreak after a soldier at Fort Dix died after a brief illness later identified as swine flu. In 1918, 20 million people worldwide died after an outbreak of an H1N1 type flu that some compare to the virus causing the current sine flu outbreak.
So...Are HIV Positive People at an Increased Risk?
Since we know that HIV weakens the immune system, naturally we would assume people with HIV would be more at risk. Actually that is not the case. Because our immune systems are not responsible for fighting off the flu, HIV positive people are generally not considered to be at greater risk of contracting the flu than HIV negative people, regardless of their immune system health. So simply put, the swine flu risk for people with HIV is about the same as for people without HIV.
There is an exception...
While there is no added risk of getting swine flu for the HIV positive patient, there is something to keep in mind. Bacterial pneumonia often accompanies influenza. People with certain chronic illnesses, including HIV are at added risk for a superinfection of bacterial pneumonia once they get the flu. For those HIV patients with weaker immune systems, they are at a greater risk for pneumonia associated with flu.
What Can You Do to Stay Healthy?
Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot any of us can do right now. There is no vaccine and no preventative medication recommended at this time. But you can do a few simple things that will lessen your risk of getting sick. According to the CDC:- Wash your hands several times each day with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners especially after you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and distancing measures.
- If you develop any fever, muscle aches and pains, or respiratory symptoms, call your doctor to get specific directions of how you will be tested and given medications.
- If you have symptoms, do not go to work and again call your doctor and limit your contact with others around you to prevent infecting them.
- Keep your distance from those people who appear or are sick.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control; "Key Facts About Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)"; 24 Apr 2009. Helfand, Myles; "What Does Swine Flu Mean for People With HIV/AIDS?"; The Body; 29 Apr 2009.
