Swine flu :: swine influenza


Swine flu (swine influenza) is a disease of pigs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many Influenza A viruses. Approximately 1% to 4% of pigs that get swine flu die from it. It is spread among pigs by direct and indirect contact, aerosols, and from pigs that are infected but do not have symptoms. In many parts of the world pigs are vaccinated against swine flu.

Most commonly, swine flu is of the H1N1 influenza subtype. However, they can sometimes come from the other types, such as H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2.

The current outbreak of swine flu that has infected humans is of the H1N1 type - this type is not as dangerous as some others.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) can also infect pigs
Avian flu and human seasonal flu viruses can infect pigs, as well as swine influenza. The H3N2 influenza virus subtype, a virulent one, is thought to have come from pigs - it went on to infect humans.

It is possible for pigs to be infected with more than one flu virus subtype simultaneously. When this happens the genes of the viruses have the opportunity to mingle. When different flu subtypes mix they can create a new virus which contains the genes from several sources - a reassortant virus.

What is flu? What is influenza? What are the symptoms of flu?

What a pandemic? What is an epidemic?

What is strep throat? What is sore throat?
Although swine influenza tends to just infect pigs, they can, and sometimes do, jump the species barrier and infect humans.
What is the risk for human health?
Outbreaks of human infection from a virus which came from pigs (swine influenza) do happen and are sometimes reported. Symptoms will generally be similar to seasonal human influenzas - this can range from mild or no symptoms at all, to severe and possibly fatal pneumonia.

As swine flu symptoms are similar to typical human seasonal flu symptoms, and other upper respiratory tract infections, detection of swine flu in humans often does not happen, and when it does it is usually purely by chance through seasonal influenza surveillance. If symptoms are mild it is extremely unlikely that any connection to swine influenza is found - even if it is there. In other words, unless the doctors and experts are specifically looking for swine flu, it is rarely detected. Because of this, we really do not know what the true human infection rate is.
Examples of known swine flu infecting humans
Since the World Health Organization's (WHO's) implementation of IHR (2005) in 2007, they have been notified of swine influenza cases from the USA and Spain.

In March/April 2009 human cases of influenza A swine fever (H1N1) were first reported in California and Texas. Later other states also reported cases. A significant number of human cases during the same period have also been reported in Mexico - starting just in Mexico City, but now throughout various parts of the country. More cases are being reported in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand - mainly from people who have been in Mexico.

Legal Disclaimer

Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Webworldarticles.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.


This article was sent to us by: sonam jain at 04172010

Related Articles

1. Dogs: Aggressive Behavior on the Leash ~ an Owner's Guide
Does your otherwise well-tempered pooch turn into Cujo when he is leashed and spy's another dog? If you're shaking your head, "Yes" right now, you are not alone. Through ...

2. Dogs: Excessive Barking, an Owner's Guide
Dogs are early warning systems that someone is coming to the door or is getting a little to close to the home or car. They bark to alert you, their pack members....

3. Impacted Canines treatment
Essentially, when a tooth is said to be impacted, it means the tooth has become stuck in a position where it's unable to emerge in a normal manner. As you may already know,...

4. Dog Kennels Use Them Wisely
Dog kennels are definitely a great way to provide safety and security for your pet. However, they should never be considered as their permanent living quarters....

5. Working with Second Hand Parrots
Pre-requisites There are many well-meaning bird owners willing and ready to take in a second-hand bird. However, without realistic expectations and...

6. Dog Obedience Training Guide For You
Do you own an older dog? One, who's crossed the rug chewing stage, is calmer and meekly surrenders to your call. You love it when your pride possession cuddles around your ...

7. Activities to Keep Your Dog Busy
Dogs are social, active creatures that like people need attention, activity, structure and in many cases a job! Without daily interaction with your dog trouble will ensue! ...

8. Pet Cremation Jewelry: Saying goodbye to a pet
Our animals are very much a part of the family and losing them can be traumatic and shocking. New products have been created to help you through the grieving process and mo...

9. Cremation Products: Annual Appreciation to Those We Love
The anniversary of a loved one's passing is a time to celebrate the joy and laughter they added to your life. Choosing a beautiful commemoration makes for a lasting and lov...