Swine Flu (H1N1)

SWINE FLU (H1N1)

Swine flu (H1N1) is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza-A virus. A virus’s genetics allow that particular virus to live inside a specific species, like a human, cat, dog, monkey, and others. The swine flu gets its name because the viruses that causes swine flu (H1N1v viruses) show genetic similarities to viruses that infect pigs.

As with any seasonal flu, swine flu can cause fever, throat pain, a general feeling of being unwell (malaise), headache, chills, muscle pain, and joint pain. This lung infection may also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

CAN YOU CATCH SWINE FLU FROM EATING PORK?

Swine flu cannot be spread by eating cooked pork products. It is possible for swine flu to spread from pigs to humans, though this type of spread is most common among people in places like pig barns and livestock fair exhibits housing numerous live pigs. Usually, swine flu is spread from person to person though sneezing or kissing. H1N1 flu is typically contagious from 1 to 7 days of the initial viral infection.

SWINE FLU VACCINE

The swine flu vaccine is prepared either as a shot or as a nasal spray. As a shot, the swine flu vaccine is a “killed virus” vaccine. As a nasal spray, the H1N1 virus vaccine is a “live virus” vaccine that has been weakened (attenuated). In each case, the swine flu vaccine works by exposing patients to a small dose of the virus, which helps the body develop its own immunity to swine flu. People as young as six months old can begin to receive swine flu vaccination.