In this Article

• What is the swine flu (novel H1N1 influenza A swine flu)?
• Why is swine flu (H1N1) now infecting humans?
• What are the symptoms of swine flu (H1N1)?
• How is swine flu (H1N1) diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for swine flu (H1N1)?
• What is the history of swine flu (H1N1)?
• Can novel H1N1 swine flu be prevented with a vaccine?
• Can H1N1 be prevented if the H1N1 flu vaccine is not readily available?
• Is swine flu (H1N1) a cause of an epidemic or pandemic in 2009?
• What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients who get swine flu (H1N1)?
• Where can I find more information about swine flu (H1N1)?
• Updated timeline of H1N1 2009 swine flu news (updated Nov. 20, 2009)
• CDC on Swine Flu (H1N1)
• What are the CDC recommendations for infectious swine flu (H1N1)?
• How can the swine flu infection (H1N1) be controlled?
• Will a face mask protect me from getting the swine flu (H1N1), and are there differences?
• Swine Flu (H1N1 Influenza Virus) At A Glance
• Pictures of Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine - Slideshow
• Pictures of Swine Flu (H1N1) - Slideshow
• Pictures of Strep or Sore Throat - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Swine Flu - Concerns
• Swine Flu Glossary
• Swine Flu Index

CDC on Swine Flu (H1N1) - What is the swine flu?

The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus that has infected humans in the U.S. and Mexico is a novel influenza A virus that has not previously been identified in North America. This virus is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), but is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Investigations of these cases suggest that on-going human-to-human swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is occurring.

CDC - What are the symptoms of swine flu (H1N1)?

Although uncomplicated influenza-like illness (fever, cough or sore throat) has been reported in many cases, mild respiratory illness (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea) without fever and occasional severe disease also has been reported. Other symptoms reported with swine influenza A virus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, headache, chills, fatigue, and dyspnea. Conjunctivitis is rare, but has been reported. Severe disease (pneumonia, respiratory failure) and fatal outcomes have been reported with swine influenza A virus infection. The potential for exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions or invasive bacterial infection with swine influenza A virus infection should be considered.

Swine Flu - Concerns

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Are you concerned about contracting swine flu? Has it affected your travel plans?

Comment submissions for this question have ended.
See 29 Viewer Comments

View Comments

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• oseltamivir, Tamiflu - Learn about Tamiflu (oseltavivir), a drug prescribed for the treatment of flu infections including H1N1 (swine flu) infections. Tamiflu is recommended for pregnant women, adults, and children one year of age or older.
• Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
• Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).

Read more Swine Flu related articles »

Latest Medical News

• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.
• Tamiflu-Resistant Swine Flu Found in Canadian Father
• Older People at Greater Risk of Swine Flu Death
• My 10-Day Ordeal With the Swine Flu