Swine influenza (also called pig influenza, swine flu, hog flu and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) or S-OIV (swine-origin influenza virus) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.

Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.

During the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, allowing accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, only 50 such transmissions have been confirmed. These strains of swine flu rarely pass from human to human. Symptoms of zoonotic swine flu in humans are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.

In August 2010 the World Health Organization declared the swine flu pandemic officially over.

Articles About Swine influenza

Global Meat Production and Consumption Continue to Rise

By My Green Australia

Global meat production and consumption have increased rapidly in recent decades, with harmful effects on the environment and public health as well as on the economy, according to research done by Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing the Planet project for Vital Signs Online. (Nov 06)

MORE TOPICS: UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, ANTIBIOTIC, AVIAN INFLUENZA, H5N1, CANCER

Time for a Flu-shot in the Arm to Keep You Kicking

By IBTimes

It can appear that it is too early to take the flu-shot but experts have announced that it should be taken as soon as possible. The bulk of the immunizations should be arriving in most area doctors' offices in the next couple weeks. (Sep 05)

MORE TOPICS: PENNSYLVANIA, SWINE FLU

New Swine Flu Strain Infects Two Kids in U.S.

By IBTimes

Federal and state health officials have said that a new swine flu strain recently sickened two pre-school children in Pennsylvania and Indiana, but they cautioned that the cases appeared to be isolated. (Sep 05)

MORE TOPICS: PENNSYLVANIA, SWINE FLU, HUMAN FLU

Miracle Drug Can Treat 15 viruses in Human and Animal Cells.
"Miracle Drug" Said to Treat 15 Viruses in Human and Animal Cells

By IBTimes

A new broad-spectrum antiviral drug can cure 15 different virus strains in 11 mammalian cells including humans, a new research indicates. (Aug 23)

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