Definition of Swine flu
Swine flu: A respiratory illness of pigs caused by infection with swine
influenza A virus (SIV). While swine flu viruses normally do not
infect humans, occasional infections of humans do occur. Human cases of swine
influenza A virus infection occur in individuals who have had a history of
recent direct contact with pigs or close (within 6 feet) contact with pigs. Rare
instances of human-to-human transmission have been documented. Swine flu
infections have also occurred in individuals with no history of exposure to
pigs. Symptoms typically range from a mild respiratory illness to flu-like symptoms
with fever. Treatment
involves the use of antiviral medications begun as soon as possible after the
onset of symptoms. Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine
flu in these animals.
The swine flu pandemic of 2009 is
caused by a novel influenza
A (H1N1) virus
that was originally referred to as "swine flu" because many of the genes in this
new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in
North America. However, this new virus is actually quite different from the
typical swine flu viruses found in pigs; the virus responsible for the 2009
pandemic is termed H1N1 flu virus or novel H1N1 flu virus. This virus first
caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. H1N1
flu is spread from person to person, unlike typical swine flu as described
above. In 2009 vaccines are being developed for the prevention of swine flu in
humans.
Last Editorial Review: 4/22/2009
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