How do people catch and spread influenza A H1N1 (swine flu)?
You can catch this kind of flu from a person who has it; influenza H1N1 (swine flu) is contagious. Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) germs are in the sick person’s saliva (spit) and in the mucus in their nose and throat. When a person with swine flu sneezes or coughs, they spray little droplets of saliva and mucus into the air. Other people can breathe in the droplets and get sick. Or the droplets can land on tables, keyboards, books and other things. When someone touches these things, then touches their face or eyes, they can catch the virus and get sick. This is why it’s so important to wash your hand properly, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face. Learn all about controlling germs, below. You cannot catch swine flu from eating pork or any other food.
