Swine Flu (H1N1 Influenza Virus) At A Glance

• Swine flu (swine influenza) is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in nasal secretions, a barking-like cough, decreased appetite, and listless behavior.
• Swine flu viruses may mutate (change) so that they are easily transmissible among humans.
• The 2009 swine flu outbreak is due to infection with the so-called H1N1 virus and was first observed in Mexico.
• Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to most influenza infections: fever (100 F or greater), cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, and headache.
• Two antiviral agents, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu), have been reported to help prevent or reduce the effects of swine flu if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.