Causative Agent of the Swine Flu

The swine flu is caused by the influenza virus H1N1. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) refer to the virus as pandemic, meaning there is potential for infection around the world.

Features

• The swine flu initially got its name because it was thought to have come from a flu that largely infected pigs; however, it is now known that the H1N1 flu contains elements of swine, avian and human influenza.

Transmission

• Unlike avian flu, but like normal seasonal flu, H1N1 flu spreads efficiently from person-to-person.

Symptoms

• Swine flu causes all the same symptoms as seasonal flu, which may include fever and chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, headache, body aches and fatigue. However, H1N1 can cause additional symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, and these may be more severe than those of seasonal flu.

Considerations

• Swine flu does not come from eating pork products, and can only come from contact with an infected person.

Prevention

• The most recommended method to avoid infection with the H1N1 virus is vaccination, which is now available.