Technically, Swine Influenza refers to pigs, and sometimes pigs do spread the influenza virus to human beings. Farmers and veterinarians are more prone to get influenza directly through pigs.
But some years ago swine flu started spreading in people who have never been near a pig. And in 2009 swine flu started spreading all around the world speedily and claimed thousands of lives. The World Health Organization stated it as a pandemic.
As of now, people still continue to get sick but not very frequently.
Causes:
The swine flu is a contagious disease and is caused by a influenza virus H1N1 strain. The other known HIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N1, H3N2, andH2N3.
Being a contagious disease, swine flu spreads through cough and sneeze. It affects the cells lining in nose, throats and lungs. Though swine flu is related to pigs, it does not spreads through the consumption of pork products.
Symptoms:
People suffering from swine flu can be contagious up to 7 days and kids 10 days prior to their knowledge. Like seasonal flu, swine flu also leads to severe complications like pneumonia and respiratory failures. It also worsens the conditions like diabetes and asthma.
Many of the swine flu symptoms are same as seasonal flu. They are:
Fever
Cough
Headache
Runny nose
Chills
Body ache
Tiredness and weakness
Sore throat
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Treatment:
Mostly doctors in cases of flu and H1N1 flu opts for symptom relief. In cases of Chronic respiratory there are additional medications prescribed. In severity of symptoms oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are used (do not use without the prescription of your doctor).
It is best that you contact a doctor if you feel the symptoms. Don't hesitate to visit get hospitalized if :-
Smaller than 5 years
Older than 65 years
Pregnant
Conditions like asthma, diabetes or respiratory disorder.
