Infectious Diseases >> Swine Flu
What is it?
Swine flu is a viral respiratory disease caused by type A influenza virus. The strain presently causing concern is a mutated form so called Influenza virus A (H1N1) or human swine influenza which can be spread from human to human. Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States. An increasing number of cases are being reported internationally as well. ItÂ’s uncertain at this time how severe this novel H1N1 outbreak will be in terms of illness and death compared with other influenza viruses. Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result.
Reference:Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
