What is H1N1(swine) Influenza?
H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

 

 

What are the symptoms of  H1N1flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

 

How does H1N1 flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from people to pigs and  pigs to people. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through the coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

To pre-register online and print the form for H1N1 vaccination click here.