What Is Swine Flu?

Monday, April 27 2009

The U.S. federal government is closely monitoring emerging cases of swine flu, and has declared a “public health emergency” as a precautionary measure.  Infections have been confirmed in states from New York to California.  Canada has also confirmed a case of the virus, while Mexico has been hit the hardest by swine flu with more than 1,600 reported cases.  Nearly 100 deaths in Mexico are being blamed on the flu, but only 18 have been verified so far. 

The news of this outbreak has certainly proliferated the media lately, but what is swine flu, and why did it suddenly appear?

As its name suggests, swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu is nothing new, as the original swine flu virus was isolated from a pig back in 1930.  This flu virus causes high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs.  Swine flu usually circulates among pigs throughout the year, but outbreaks mostly occur during the late fall and winter, which is similar to the human flu seasons. 

Pigs are susceptible to other types of flu, like avian flu and human flu.  When pigs are infected with other types of the influenza virus, new viruses can emerge.  Swine flu doesn’t usually infect humans.  When infections have occurred, they have mainly been in people who have had direct exposure to pigs. 

The current strain of swine flu is a mutation of the virus that is a mix of human flu and swine flu, and seems to be spreading from animal to human more easily.  In typical flu fashion, the swine flu spreads from person to person quite easily.  Touching something that has been sneezed on or coughed on by an infected person, and then touching the eyes, mouth or nose can result in infection. 

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the common flu: Coughing, runny nose, fever, sore throat, nausea, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting.

As with all flu viruses, swine flu constantly mutates, making it very difficult to treat.  Currently, the Centers for Disease Control is recommending Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for treating and/or preventing the swine flu.

Google is tracking the outbreak of the swine flu on Google Maps, showing suspected and confirmed infections.

Jason McClellan

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About The Author -
Jason McClellan is a professional health writer who specializes in sexual health and men's health.
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