First Human Swine Flu Case in 2024 Found in Michigan: Symptoms and Prevention Tips

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that a person in Ingham County has been sickened by swine flu. Swine flu is a strain of influenza usually associated with pigs.

This is the first reported case of H3N2 reported in a human in 2024.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease typically found in pigs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans but in rare cases when they do, they are referred to as variant viruses.

Symptoms include typical flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, and body aches.

Precautions to Avoid Catching Swine Flu

Although human cases of swine flu are rare, MDHHS recommends taking the following precautions to avoid catching the disease.

• Refrain from eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings.
• Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
• Avoid pigs and swine barns if at high risk of serious flu complications and planning to attend a fair.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Swine Flu v. Bird Flu

According to CBS Detroit, swine flu - primarily affecting pigs - differs from bird flu impacting dairy cows and poultry farms. Two people in Michigan have tested positive for bird flu this year.