What is Swine Flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Given the new information on how it can be spread, the virus (H1N1) is believed to be a mutated form. This new strain is a hybrid of swine, human and avian flu viruses and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it can spread from human to human but the level of virulence is not yet clear (28.04.2009).

Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu in People

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those e of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Spread of the Flu among People

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. This means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Children, especially younger children, may be contagious for longer periods.

The spread of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get it from eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.