Swine Flu ?

Swine Flu, or Swine influenza, is a respiratory illness in pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes flu in pigs. The viruses cause elevated levels of illness in the animals but yields a low death rate. Although the virus can happen year round, most incidences and outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months, just like human influenza.Different variations of Swine Flu have emerged and evolved over time. There are currently four identified main influenza type A viruses in pigs. The most recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been the H1N1 viruses. The first classical swine flu virus, which is influenza type A H1N1 virus, was first identified in a pig almost 80 years ago, in 1930.

How Does the Swine Flu Infect Humans?

Although most Swine Flu does not normally infect humans, sporadic human infections with swine flu do happen. Usually, transmission occurs in people with direct exposure to pigs. The most recent outbreak is of concern because there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common way for the illness to be transmitted is to be in close proximity to an infected person, usually from their coughing or sneezing. If a surface with flu virus on it is touched, then one's nose or mouth, it's possible to become infected as well. The virus can live up to several hours on surfaces in warm, humid temperature. Confirmed cases of the recent virus have been found in patients in the United States, Canada, Spain, as well as Mexico. Reports from around as far apart as Pakistan, France and New Zealand are being investigated as well. Cases outside of Mexico appear to be milder. The Swine flu in Mexico seems to be a much more potent disease, even though genetic tests suggest that swine flu viruses there are nearly identical to the cases identified in the U.S. patients. U.S. officials declared a precautionary "public health emergency," so that the CDC and others can ensure the resources needed to respond quickly and effectively, should the need arise. The declaration of emergency allows the government to begin preparing preventive long-prepared pandemic plans, such as moving large amounts of the anti-flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza closer to affected states.