Swine flu is a disease of pigs that can, in rare cases, be passed to humans. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many Influenza A viruses.
Most commonly, swine flu is of the H1N1 influenza subtype. However, swine flu viruses can sometimes come from other subtypes, such as H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2.
Symptoms
Swine flu is spread to humans primarily through contact with infected pigs.
The symptoms of swine flu in humans are quite similar to those of regular flu, and include:
• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Tiredness
Less commonly, a person with swine flu may experience vomiting and diarrhea Symptoms can be managed with similar treatments to regular flu. However, a doctor should examine the patient for confirmation of swine flu and advise how to relief individual symptoms.
