I'm here to speak with you today

about the symptoms of swine-flu infections

and what to do if you get sick.

Since March 2009,

persons with infection caused by a new strain of swine-flu virus

have been identified in the U.S. and other countries.

It's important that people recognize

the symptoms of swine flu

and seek medical care if necessary.

For many years,

we've known that swine flu occasionally infects humans,

so we know the typical symptoms of swine flu.

Symptoms are similar

to the symptoms of regular human flu

and can include fever, cough,

sore throat, body aches,

headache, chills, or fatigue.

Some people with swine flu

have also reported diarrhea or vomiting.

In the past, severe illness

such as pneumonia or respiratory failure,

as well as death, has been reported

with swine-flu infections in people.

Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening

of underlying chronic medical conditions.

If you live in an area

where swine-flu infections have been reported

and if you become ill with flu-like symptoms,

you may want to contact your healthcare provider,

particularly if you're worried about your symptoms.

Your healthcare provider will determine

whether swine-flu testing or treatment is needed.

If you become ill

and experience any of the following warning signs,

get emergency medical care.

In children, emergency warning signs

that need urgent medical attention

include fast breathing or trouble breathing,

bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids,

not waking up or not interacting,

being so irritable

that the child does not want to be held,

fever with a rash,

or flu-like symptoms that improve

but then return with fever or worse cough.

In adults, emergency warning signs

that need urgent medical attention

include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,

pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,

sudden dizziness, confusion,

or severe or persistent vomiting.

People with swine flu can infect others

and could be contagious as long as they are symptomatic

and possibly for up to seven days

following the onset of illness.

Children, especially younger children,

might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Fortunately, there are medicines

that can be used to treat swine flu.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines

such as pills, liquids, or an inhaler

that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses

from reproducing in your body.

If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder

and can make you feel better faster.

They may also prevent serious flu complications.

For treatment, antiviral drugs work best

if started within two days of symptoms.

CDC recommends the use

of oseltamivir, which is also called Tamiflu,

or zanamivir, which is also called Relenza,

for the treatment or prevention

of infection with these swine-flu viruses.

If you get sick with swine flu,

CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school

and limit contact with others

to reduce the chance of transmitting the infection.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

because germs can spread that way.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue

when coughing or sneezing.

It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

For more information about swine flu,

visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu.