Swine Flu Cases Discovered Throughout US and Mexico

Hear swine flu and you immediately think pigs. And you'd be right, pigs do get the flu. But the flu pigs have is very similar to the flu people get. That's where the story gets interesting. Medical researchers have also identified a new type "swine flu" which is passed from pigs to people.

Previously only people who worked on a pig farm or owned a pig caught swine flu. But recent swine flu cases are different. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in Atlanta, the latest cases of swine flu are people who have not had direct contact with pigs.

What's Different About This Type Of Swine Flu?

Besides the people to people spread of swine flu, the virus itself is different. The virus in this particular type of swine flu is unusual because it is a blend of several flu viruses. The new swine flu contains gene segments from North American swine viruses, from North American bird flu , from one human flu virus, and from swine flu viruses seen in Asia and Europe but not previously known in the U.S. As humans we don't have immunity or defenses against animal or bird diseases so we are not able to fight these cases of flu as well.

Only nine known U.S. cases of people to people transmission of swine flu are known. These new cases are five cases in southern California, two cases in Kansas, and two cases outside San Antonio, Texas. The CDC suggests that people who live in or visit the San Diego or San Antonio areas should see a doctor or nurse for testing if they come down with flu-like symptoms.

In Mexico the swine flu has proved deadly. 86 people are dead and over 1,400 have been diagnosed with the flu.

It is not known why the Mexican version of the swine flu is proving to be deadly.

Is Swine Flu Common In People?
The CDC had received reports of "approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza" were reported.

How Were These Cases Of Swine Flu Found?

The cases were discovered when the children were being treated at a health care facility. The health care providers had swabbed the children's throats or noses as part of the flu screening. It was only during testing of the swabs, that it was discovered the virus was swine flu and a combination virus.

How Does Swine Flu Spread?

Swine flu spreads through direct contact with pigs and from people with swine flu to other people. That is sneezing and coughing is thought to spread swine flu like regular flu. Also touching things such as doorknobs and other surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes can also lead to infections in people.

You do not get swine flu from eating pork. Cooking pork to a temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus.

Avoiding swine flu and other varieties of flu means following simple preventative measures. Avoid whenever possible people who have fever, cough and sore throat symptoms of flu. If someone has flu symptoms, do not shake hands or kiss them on the face.

If you are around people who are sneezing and coughing, wash your hands before touching your face and eyes. Disinfectant sprays can be useful on counter tops and doorknobs to kill the flu virus. Hand sanitizers are useful to keep in purses and in cars to make sure you keep flu viruses off your hands.

Swine flu is treatable. Check with your health care provider who can prescribe medications for treatment or prevention of swine flu.