How does swine flu spread? Is it airborne?

The new swine flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. You could pick up germs directly from droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection. That’s why you should make washing your hands a habit, even when you’re not ill. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.

The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.

The U.S. residents infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs. The only way to get the new swine flu is from another person.
How is swine flu treated?

The new swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not everyone needs those drugs. Most people who have come down with swine flu have recovered without treatment. The Department of Homeland Security has released 25% of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to states. Health officials have asked people not to hoard Tamiflu or Relenza.
Is there a vaccine against the new swine flu virus?

No. But the CDC and the World Health Organization are already taking the first steps toward making such a vaccine. That’s a lengthy process that takes months. The process includes limited clinical tests to see how well the vaccine elicits flu-neutralizing antibodies and to evaluate vaccine safety. If everything goes perfectly — and flu vaccine production is very tricky — there could be a U.S. swine flu vaccine in October 2009. But that is an extremely optimistic prediction.

Even if officials decide to make a swine flu vaccine for this winter, many questions remain. It’s not yet clear whether people will need one or two shots or whether an immune-boosting substance called adjuvant will have to be used. And, it’s still not clear who should be vaccinated first, and who should be at the end of the line.
I had a flu vaccine this season. Am I protected against swine flu?

No. This season’s flu vaccine does not protect against the new swine flu virus.

Whether or not there’s a swine flu vaccine this winter, there will be a new seasonal flu vaccine in the fall. This year, it will be more important than ever to get a flu shot. It may not protect against swine flu — but it will keep you and others from getting the seasonal flu viruses that kill some 36,000 Americans each year.