Overview :   Swine Flu and Disability

Swine influenza is an influenza A virus that causes respiratory illness in pigs.  Swine flu does not usually infect humans, however, transmission to humans and human-to-human transmission has been known to occur. 

The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu, and include fever, cough, body aches, chills, fatigue, and sore throat.  Of the thousands of individuals in the U.S. confirmed to have H1N1 influenza, most have had mild disease. 

Like human influenza, swine influenza varies in severity from mild to severe.  Of the thousands of individuals in the U.S. confirmed to have H1N1 influenza, most have had mild disease.

Current Practices :   Swine Flu and Disability

Basic precautions you can take to reduce the risk of spreading Swine Flu

Basic precautions you can take to reduce the risk of spreading illness:
· Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for 15-20 seconds. Dry your hands with a paper
towel. Do not share towels.
· If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Rub your
hands together until the gel is dry.
· Try to avoid close contact with people that are ill.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
· Cover your cough/sneeze with the inside of your arm or sleeve, not your hand.
· If you cover your mouth with a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands.
· Stay home if you are ill. Do not go to work or attend public gatherings.
· If you have children who are ill, keep them home from school and/or daycare.

Support :   Swine Flu and Disability

Sharing Our Strengths (SOS) Peer Support Network

2200 Holmes
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 800-773-8652
Web: http://www.sharingourstrengths.com/

SOS is a statewide support network of parents, family members, people with developmental disabilities and professionals who are matched with peer mentors to share experiences, offer emotional support and to network with others. You can request an individual parent to parent or peer support match with another parent or individual who has experienced similar circumstances.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA  30333
Work Phone: 800-232-4636
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Personal Perspectives :   Swine Flu and Disability

A personal perspective is a highly valued resource, and is the newest feature that we have added to the MODDRC. Our goal is to offer a personal perspective for every disability. If you would like to share your story or perspective on a particular disability, we would love to hear from you.

Resources :   Swine Flu and Disability

Online Resources:

Swine/H1N1 Flu

This website has general information and resources about Swine Flu.

FAQs about Swine/H1N1 Flu

This website has some frequently asked questions about Swine Flu

Swine Flu Outbreak and Childhood Disability

Swine Flu Outbreak and Childhood Disability

Swine Flu Risk Management

This article outlines the risks and insurance implications for U.S. businesses arising from a subsequent human pandemic.

Facts about H1N1 (Swine) Flu

Facts about Swine Flu.