Swine influenza (swine flu) is caused by an influenza virus type flu and pigs. Cause regular outbreaks of swine flu influenza viruses in pigs, but death is rare. The virus can be spread to pigs throughout the year, but outbreaks occur later in autumn and winter months similar outbreaks in people. The classical swine flu virus (a type of influenza A virus H1N1) was the first of several pig in 1930.

Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but the swine flu virus flu virus does not like people. Swine flu is not often infecting humans, and the rare cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current outbreak of swine flu is different. This is caused by a new swine flu viruses are spread by people – and this happens to people who have no contact with pigs.

Like all flu viruses, swine influenza viruses constantly change. Pigs can be infected by avian, human and swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the virus re-assort and May to appear before a mix of pig, human and / or avian influenza virus. Over the years, different variations of swine influenza viruses have emerged. Currently, there are four types of influenza virus subtypes that couple of pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2 and H3N1. However, some more recent influenza viruses from pigs are H1N1 viruses.

Swine influenza viruses do not usually infect humans. However, the occasional human infections with swine flu have occurred. More generally, these cases occur in people with direct exposure to pigs, such as children near the pigs in a right or workers in the swine industry.

As documented case of a person spread of swine flu to others. In 1988, an outbreak of swine flu infection in pigs in visible Wisconsin resulted in more people infected, and though no explosion resulted in the community, had antibody evidence of virus transmission from patients to health care workers in contact closely with patients.
Note: swine influenza virus is not transmitted through food. You can not get influenza from pigs eat pork or pork products.

The CDC feels this H1N1 virus poses the greatest disease burden for people younger than 25 years of age. Fewer cases (and fewer deaths) have been reported in people age 60 and older, perhaps due to their exposure to a similar influenza A in the 1960s. Whatever the reason — this is a big difference when recognizing what the differences are between swine flu and regular flu.

While regular flu vaccines for are generally available at the beginning of the annual flu season (late September / early October), they will not protect you against H1N1 flu. The H1N1 flu vaccine is entirely separate and may not be available for everyone until late into the flu season, if then. Initial supplies appear to be short due to manufacturing capacity, and rationing of the vaccine is expected to occur based on risk factors.

There are many similarities between swine flu and regular flu. The early symptoms of both infections are about the same: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, aches, chills and fatigue. A number of people infected with the H1N1 virus have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

In regular flu, the symptoms generally last a couple of days. In cases of swine flu, however, the symptoms may last seven days or longer, and become more severe and complicated. Health professionals become most concerned when the symptoms severely hit the respiratory system. If you develop any kind of breathing problems, seek immediate help from your doctor and follow his or her advice.

Remember: the H1N1 swine flu has the potential to be a deadly killer. If the pandemic hits in the numbers that many health professionals expect, it may become a very disrupting force in day to day commerce and transportation. Instead of a relatively small number of deaths among those older and/or ill, the potential is there for the death toll to become staggering, even among young, healthy people. Make no mistake about it: there are major differences between swine flu and regular flu.