A human respiratory infection caused by an influenza strain that started in pigs.

Swine flu was first recognized in the 1919 pandemic and still circulates as a seasonal flu virus. Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus strain, which started in pigs.

Rare

Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year

Preventable by vaccine

Treatable by a medical professional

Spreads easily

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging often required

Short-term: resolves within days to weeks

HOW IT SPREADS

By airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes).

By touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob).

By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).

Requires a medical diagnosis

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, and body aches.

People may experience:

Pain areas: in the muscles.

Cough: can be dry.

Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Whole body: chills, fatigue, or fever.

Also common: headache, shortness of breath, or sore throat.

It can take up to seven days (normally two to five days) after infection forswine flu symptoms to develop. If you develop symptoms, stay at home and follow the general advice.

In uncomplicated infections, swine flu typically begins to resolve after three to seven days, but the malaise and cough can persist two weeks or more in some patients. Severe swine flu may require hospitalization that increases the length of time of infection to about nine to ten days.

"Plenty of fluids, Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil for fever, and it should run its course onits own." If a child has difficulty breathing, is unable to take fluids, or starts to be less responsive, or after appearing to recover from the influenza develops a fever and starts coughing again, then see a doctor.

People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Treatment consists of antivirals

Typical treatment includes rest, pain relievers, and fluids.

Self-care

Menthol, Throat lozenge, and Rest

Medications

Antiviral drug, Cough medicine, Decongestant, Analgesic, and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Supportive care

Fluid replacement