Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Pigs and People

CDC Recommendations for People Who Plan to Enter the Swine Barn or Have Contact with Pigs at Agricultural Fairs

CDC Recommendations for People with Higher Risk of Serious Flu Complications:

• Anyone who is at higher risk of serious flu complications planning to attend an event or setting where pigs will be present, such as an agricultural fair, should avoid pigs and swine barns.
• If people at higher risk cannot avoid exposure to pigs, they should wear a well-fitting mask that covers the nose and mouth to reduce the risk of exposure to flu viruses from pigs.
• They should also wash their hands with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs or a swine barn. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• People who are at higher risk of serious flu complications include children younger than 5 years, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions (like asthma and other lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions).

CDC Recommendations for People Not at Higher Risk of Serious Flu Complications:

• Don’t take food or drink into pig areas; don’t eat, drink or put anything in your mouth in pig areas.
• Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into pig areas.
• Avoid close contact with pigs that look or act ill.
• Wash your hands with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs or a swine barn. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• To further reduce the risk of infection, minimize contact with pigs in the pig barns and show arenas.
• Take additional protective measures if you must come in contact with pigs that are known or suspected to be sick. This includes minimizing contact with pigs and wearing personal protective equipment like protective clothing, gloves and well-fitted masks that cover your mouth and nose when contact is required.
• Watch your pig (if you have one) for illness. Call a veterinarian if you suspect illness.
• Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu symptoms. Wait to have contact with pigs until 7 days after your illness started or until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer. If you must have contact with pigs while you are sick, take the protective actions listed above.

People at higher risk of serious flu complications who develop flu symptoms should call a health care provider. Tell them about your risk factor and any exposure to pigs or swine barns you’ve had recently. Human seasonal flu vaccines will not protect against flu viruses that commonly spread in pigs, but prescription flu antiviral drugs can treat infections with these viruses in people.

CDC Recommendations for Fair Exhibitors

• CDC guidance for fair exhibitors, including people at higher risk of serious flu complications and those not at higher risk, is available at Key Facts for People Exhibiting Pigs at Fairs | CDC.