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Everything You Need To Know About “The Swine Flu”
The recent outbreak of swine flu is causing widespread panic and concern among many people, but by all indications, it is no worse than the seasonal flu that usually strikes every winter.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that the current strain of swine flu is caused by a new type of influenza A virus. There are four viral sub-types, one found in humans, one in birds and two in swine. The swine sub-type is causing the flu in humans in the United States. It is spread from pigs to humans and then from humans to humans.
The CDC believes that the current outbreak of swine flu (officially called the H1N1 flu) started in March 2009 in certain areas of Mexico. Mexico is currently reporting the largest number of cases at 727, with 26 deaths confirmed at this time. There is one confirmed death in the United States and 403 total cases. These cases are spread among 38 states in the continental US.
People do not normally get the swine flu. The CDC has determined that this swine sub-type is contagious and is spreading from human to human, through large airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets contain the virus and spread the illness fairly easily.
Have you been exposed to swine flu? New York, Texas, California, Delaware and Arizona are the states reporting the most number of cases. Recent travel to Mexico and contact with an infected person there are also risk factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu
The signs and symptoms of swine flu are:
