Swine Flu
What is swine influenza? It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. How does it spread? Swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented. What are the symptoms? The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu: - Fever - Lethargy - Runny nose - Cough - Sore throat - Lack of appetite - Vomiting and diarrhea in some cases. How common is swine flu infection in humans? In the past reports of about one human swine flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported. Has this strain of flu been seen before? No. F