What is swine flu?

Swine flu Photo

What's swine flu?

It is a general term for influenza viruses adapted to pigs, causing a respiratory disease in the animals. There are many different strains. The disease is caused by a type A influenza virus, and the new strain belongs to the most common subtype, known as H1N1. Swine flu can infect humans. In such cases, it is most often transmitted from a pig to someone handling the animal. Swine flu can pass from human to human through coughing, sneezing or touching infected people or surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose. It is not contracted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.

Is it contagious?

Swine flu is contagious, but health officials cannot yet say how easily this strain spreads from person to person. People are usually contagious for as long as they are symptomatic, typically four to five days for adults and longer for children.

What is the incubation period?

Only a day or two.

How dangerous?

In Mexico, more than 100 deaths are suspected from swine flu, but all known cases in the US and elsewhere have been mild. Experts do not know how deadly the flu is, because they do not know how many people have been infected overall.

The new strain seems to be more lethal to those aged 25 to 45 — an ominous sign, as this was a hallmark of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic that killed tens of millions worldwide.

How can you stop the spread?

Standard methods of prevention include covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Use tissues and throw them in a bin immediately. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Avoid sick people. If you become sick, stay home from work or school.

What is the treatment?

Two antiviral drugs — Tamiflu and Relenza — are thought to work. According to Professor Robert Booy, of the Sydney-based National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Australia has "a large local stockpile as well as the capacity to manufacture" Relenza (an Australian discovery) here.

Is there a vaccine?

No. Development of such a vaccine would take at least four months.