Swine Flu
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by certain strains of influenza A viruses, particularly the H1N1 subtype, that can infect humans and cause symptoms similar to seasonal influenza.
Swine flu is an infectious respiratory disease caused by influenza A viruses that originally circulated among pigs but can sometimes infect humans. The term is most commonly associated with the Influenza A (H1N1) virus responsible for the 2009 influenza pandemic. Swine flu spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Most cases are mild and resolve with supportive care, but severe illness can occur, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Diagnosis may involve laboratory testing, and antiviral medications such as oseltamivir may be used in certain cases. Annual influenza vaccination remains one of the most effective methods of prevention.
Swine flu is a type of flu caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. It spreads from person to person through coughs, sneezes, and close contact. Symptoms are similar to the common flu and may include fever, cough, body aches, tiredness, and sore throat. Most people recover completely, but some may develop serious complications.
• Respiratory infection caused by influenza A viruses, most commonly the H1N1 subtype • Originally associated with pigs but now spreads mainly between people • Became widely known during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic • Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue • Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea • Spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact • Higher risk of severe illness in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions • Treatment may include rest, fluids, symptom relief, and antiviral medications such as oseltamivir • Annual influenza vaccination helps reduce the risk of infection and complications
Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. In 2009 a strain of swine flu called H1N1 infected many people around the world.
The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is a vaccine available to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Staying home from work or school if you are sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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