Table of Contents
What is an Influenza Pandemic?
How should I prepare?
How can I protect myself?
What travel precautions are being taken?
Where can I learn more?
Glossary
About Influenza
Influenza (the “flu”) is a seasonal respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. The viruses can cause mild to severe illness sometimes resulting in death. It is important to note that the flu [...]

According to the World Health Organization, H1N1 Influenza refers to a large group of different influenza viruses that primarily affect pigs. On rare occasions, these H1N1 viruses can infect other species, including humans. The vast majority of H1N1 influenza viruses do not infect humans. An influenza pandemic happens when a new subtype emerges that has [...]

One of the first signs of trouble was a barking cough that resounded through a North Carolina farm in August 1998. Every pig in an operation of 2400 animals sickened, with symptoms similar to those caused by the human flu: high fever, poor appetite, and lethargy. Pregnant sows were hit hardest, and almost 10% aborted [...]

What is Swine Influenza? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.
Can humans catch swine flu? Swine flu viruses do not [...]

What is swine influenza?
Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks in pigs. There have been reports of serious illness and deaths due to swine flu in Mexico, but the recently confirmed cases in the United States have been mild.
What are the symptoms of swine influenza?
Swine flu symptoms appear [...]

Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new strain of influenza virus appears, which causes serious illness and death in humans and is easily spread from person to person. In recent weeks, there have been multiple cases of Swine-origin Influenza Type A/H1N1. This new strain is unique; and has not [...]

travelplus asked: I was wondering how long can the swine flu last in healthy adults around 20 before the symptoms subside? Once you get the swine flue is it true that you will be immune to this strain? Also currently I have a minor cough and minor aches but not unbearable needing a doctor. Do [...]

Russ H asked: Over spring break (April 4-April 9) I went to New York City. Cases of the swine flu are now being recognized in the city and I am experiencing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. I’m scared I’ve been exposed. How long after exposure to swine flu do symptoms take to generate?
My [...]

What is “Swine” flu? Swine Influenza (swine fl u) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine fl u viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the [...]

Prevent the spread of H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The novel H1N1 (Swine flu) virus is causing illness in the United States and around the world. Experts expect it to continue to spread. Much has been learned, but we continue to learn more every day.
The symptoms of this new H1N1 (Swine flu) virus are similar to symptoms of [...]

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and, in some cases people have reported diarrhea and nausea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Swine influenza (swine flu) [...]

A vaccine against the newly emerging strain of H1N1 could stop or slow its spread, and thus reduce its impact on health services, workplaces, schools and the economy. Since this virus differs markedly from previous strains of H1N1, existing flu vaccines will not work against it and a new vaccine needs to be developed.
Several different [...]