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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you've traveled to an area where lots of people are affected by swine flu H1N1, you may have been exposed to the virus, particularly if you spent time in large crowds.
Swine farmers and veterinarians have the highest risk of true swine flu because of their exposure to pigs. In addition, exposure to swine at seasonal fairs has also been linked to human H3N2 variant infection.
You can't catch swine flu from eating pork.
References
- Thorner AR. Epidemiology of pandemic H1N1 influenza ('swine influenza'). http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- H1N1 (Originally referred to as Swine Flu). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.flu.gov/types/h1n1/index.html. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- Key facts about human infections with variant viruses (swine origin influenza viruses in humans). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/keyfacts-variant.htm. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- What you should know about antiviral drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- Thorner AR. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of pandemic H1N1 influenza ('swine influenza'). http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- Thorner AR. Treatment and prevention of pandemic H1N1 influenza ('swine influenza'). http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- Jefferson T, et al. Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.5.1a/ovidweb.cgi?&S=MJGAFPPDAFDDBDDBNCALFHGCMLDJAA00&Complete+Reference=S.sh.15%7c1%7c1. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- The flu: What to do if you get sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Accessed May 10, 2012.
- Vaccine selection for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 influenza seasons. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccine-selection.htm. Accessed May 12, 2012.
- A guide to safe use of pain medicine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095673.htm. Accessed June 5, 2012.
- CDC reports cases 18-29 of H3N2v virus infection; continues to recommend interim precautions when interacting with pigs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/h3n2v_us_cases.htm. Accessed Aug. 6, 2012.
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