The novel H1N1 virus was first called the "swine flu" when an outbreak began in the U.S. and Mexico in April 2009. The novel H1N1 virus is a new strain but shows similarity to the original swine flu, which normally occurs in pigs. The new strain has genes from the human influenza, the avian influenza and two genes from influenza found in hogs.http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

The WHO declared the H1N1 Virus a level 6 global pandemic on June 11, 2009. By mid-August 2009, the swine flu claimed the lives of 1800 people around the world. More than 180,000 cases had been confirmed. On August 21, 2009, the WHO warned of an explosion of the number of cases could explode in the coming months.http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,541281,00.html A year later, in August, 2010, the WHO declared that the pandemic was over.http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/08/10/who-h1n1-swine-flu-pandemic.html

According to the CDC, some 20 pregnant women have contracted swine flu. Some have developed severe complications, including pneumonia, dehydration and preterm labor. Of three confirmed deaths in the US, one was a pregnant woman.10 The CDC recommends that pregnant women who suspect they have been infected by H1N1 should seek prompt treatment.msnbc: Pregnant women more at risk from swine flu

Symptoms of the swine flu can be very similar to human seasonal influenza and may include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose and sore throat.CDC: [1]

The Center for Disease Control recommends routine precautions to avoid the spread of swine influenza. People are encouraged to wash their hands often, cover their noses or mouths when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with sick people. [1] H1N1 can be contracted if a person touches a surface after covering a cough or sneeze with their hand. Surfaces should be cleaned but Flu.gov says "it is not necessary to disinfect these surfaces beyond routine cleaning."http://answers.flu.gov/questions/3768

In 1976, a relatively major outbreak of swine flu infected nearly 250 military servicemen in Fort Dix, New Jersey. The outbreak caused a nationwide panic and fears of an epidemic. A vaccine was hastily devised and administered to 40 million people. Ultimately, the outbreak resulted in only one death, and more died from the Swine Flu vaccine itself!WebMD: [1]

• Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands frequently
• If swine flu is in your community and you're sick with a fever and a cough, stay home from work or school
• If swine flu is in your community and you're not very sick and you wouldn't go to the hospital, don't go just because of the statement
• If swine flu is in your community and you are sick and would go to the hospital, you should go
• If you have been in close contact with a person ill with swine influenza, and you have an underlying condition (are elderly, pregnant or have a compromised immune system), you should talk to your doctor about taking treatment
• If instructed, wear a face mask

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have swine flu, please consult your doctor.