Well I guess now that we have received a few calls about the H1N1 flu I can go ahead and address the issue. First of all the chances of getting the H1N1 virus or “swine flu” in the Miss-Lou are realistic but very unlikely.

As of Wednesday, May 6 there were 403 reported cases of the swine flu in the United States in 38 states resulting in only one death, in Texas. Mississippi is one of 12 states with no cases reported. Before anyone panics, here are a few facts about the swine flu.

Q: What is the swine flu?

A: H1N1 or swine flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, in much the same way the regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Q: Do you have to be around a pig to get the swine flu?

A: No. There are flu viruses that commonly cause outbreaks of illness in pigs. Most of the time, these viruses do not infect people. At this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United States are infected with this new virus. Even if they were, I would say we are safe because we have no commercial swine production in the Miss-Lou.

Q: Will consuming pork products make you vulnerable to the swine flu?

A: Absolutely not! The H1N1 virus is not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. However you should always properly handle and cook pork products to kill most bacteria and viruses. Properly cooked meat should be heated to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

Q: If you have any flu like symptoms it is likely the swine flu?

A: Possibly, but probably not, if you have severe flu symptoms or a shortness of breath, check with your healthcare provider to be sure. Individuals diagnosed with swine flu usually show similar sign as with seasonal flu occasionally showing more signs of vomiting and diarrhea.

Q: Will getting a seasonal flu vaccination protect me from the swine flu?

A: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports “There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus.” The flu vaccination some of us receive will help with the human strain of the flu but probably won’t affect other forms. Swine flu is a combination of influenza, avian and swine flu viruses.

Q: Is the swine flu outbreak similar to the “SARS” or West Nile Virus outbreak recently?

A: The SARS pandemic was mostly isolated within China with less than 10 reported cases in the United States. Only 10 percent of the total number of individuals infected with SARS died. The West Nile Virus infected 1356 people throughout the US in 2008. Mississippi had 65 cases more than any states except California and Arizona. Out of the 1356 reported cases of West Nile in the United States only .03 percent turned fatal. Swine flu is not a sudden death illness like some have been led to believe. In fact, the swine flu in the United States currently only has a .002 fatality rate even after being diagnosed.

The best way to stay safe from any virus is to always remember the basics. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough with a tissue then throw the tissue away. Wash your hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth which is how germs are spread.

David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extensions Service. He can be reached at 601-445-8201.