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The new strain of swine influenza is getting worldwide headlines after killing 149 in Mexico and infecting hundreds more.

American officials are investigating 40 known cases in the United States.

Officials from the U.S. Center for Disease Control in Atlanta have created a special webpage for the swine flu phenomenon.

WACH FOX 57 and www.midlandsconnect.com have compiled a list of answers for frequently asked questions about the swine flu.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of a regular flu:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

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 frequently
• Try to stay in good general health
• Get plenty of sleep
• Be physically active
• Manage your stress
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat nutritious food
• Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

What else can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.

But 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 away nasal 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.

Source: U.S. Center for Disease Control

2009 Swine Flu Outbreak Map