What is swine flu?
Swine influenza (also called swine flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Swine flu is rare in humans and common in swine. Those who are highest at risk usually have occupational contact with swine, such as people who work in close proximity with pigs. Normally the swine flu does not jump across species from swine to human. Rarely, Swine influenza virus mutates into a form able to pass easily from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza-like illness. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, muscle pains, coughing, general malaise, and headache. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.
What makes the 2009 flu outbreak in humans significant is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. This subtype derives in part from avian influenza, human influenza, and two separate strains of swine influenza. Unlike ordinary swine flu, it passes with great ease from human to human. Fortunately, only mild symptoms are encountered and the infected individual usually makes a full recovery without requiring medical attention and without the use of anti-viral medicines. Those who are immuno-compromised, such as older adults, infants, and those with weak constitition and adrenals may be more prone to this flu.