Swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses, in the past it didn’t often infect people. But the current swine flu outbreak is caused by a new swine flu virus that has spread from person to person -- and it's happening among people who haven't had any contact with pigs.

Symptoms:

As the symptoms is much like regular flu symptoms. a lab test is essential to tell whether it's swine flu or some other condition.

They include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting

How does the new swine flu spread:

It spreads just like regular flu. either directly from an infected person(if he coughs or sneezes sending germs in the air), or by touching an object they recently touched,

Infectivity period: a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick

As some people infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs. Human-to-human infections is confirmed.

Prevention and Treatment:

Although there is no vaccine developed till now against swine flu you can follow these steps to minimize the risk of infection:

· Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing..

· Avoid close contact with sick people.

· Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

· Avoid direct contact with pigs or people who deal with them.

Tamiflu drug (antiviral) is efficient in treating swine flu especially if it is used during the 1st 48 hours of infection

Swine flu is really considered a public health emergency. as the virus might change with time becoming more dangerous combining with other types of Flu viruses like (Avian flu Horse flu and/or human flu) becoming easier to spread and more resistant to treatment resulting in a pandemic.