USA Today reported Monday (April 27) that the World Health Organization has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and caused by type A influenza viruses. While outbreaks are most common in pigs, human cases of swine flu do occur. In the past, reports of human swine flu have been rare—approximately one infection every one to two years in the United States.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of a regular flu: fever and chills, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting can also be present. Without a specific lab test, it is impossible to know whether you may be suffering from swine flu or another flu strain, or a different disease entirely.
You should take the same precautions that you take to prevent other contagious viruses to protect yourself against swine flu, including practicing good hand hygiene.
