What is swine influenza?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person also.

How serious is the new Swine Flu Infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in human can vary in severity from mild to severe. The current outbreak is of a new Swine
Flu virus strain and has the potential for causing serious illness. In Mexico a number of cases and deaths have been reported.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?  The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu. These include: fever, cough,sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have
reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure, and deaths due to Swine Flu has been reported.