Call it H1N1, not "swine flu." You cannot get H1N1 from eating pork and the misnomer is hurting pork producers financially. The pork industry is taking a beating from public reaction to the H1N1 outbreak and some inaccurate media coverage linking the human illness to pigs. Nick Giordano with the National Pork Producers Council international trade division says the hog industry is losing at least $2.5 Million a day, about $5.50 a head.
Can people catch H1N1 from eating pork?
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160F kills the H1N1 virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
How does H1N1 spread?
Human-to-human transmission of H1N1 can occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 in humans?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and may include:
fever
lethargy
lack of appetite
coughing
runny nose
sore throat
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea