Swine Flu: The Facts

Apr 29 2009 Birmingham Mail

Human cases of swine flu have emerged in the UK. How worried should we be about the illness?

Q: What is swine flu?
A: It is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Pigs are hit by regular outbreaks.
There are many different types of swine flu and the current cases involve the H1N1 strain of type A influenza virus.

Q: How do humans catch it?
A: While people do not normally catch it, humans can contract the virus, usually if they have been in close contact with pigs.
It is also possible for the constantly changing infection to spread from person to person, which has happened in the latest outbreak. Experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing and sneezing.

Q: What are the symptoms?
A: The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat.
Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

Q: What is the difference between swine flu, avian flu and the flu commonly seen in the UK during the winter?
A: Influenza viruses are commonly circulating in the human and animal environment, with different strains causing illness in humans, bird and pigs.
Seasonal influenza is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans.
Humans have some natural immunity to the strains that are in common circulation, and this immunity can be boosted by immunisation with a vaccine.
Avian influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds. Similarly, swine influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs.
However swine flu can pass between human to human, while this is rare with avian flu viruses.