Why 'Swine Flu'?

The so-called swine flu is technically a strain of a known influenza. But it was usually found in pigs. A mutation allowed it to spread to people -- and from person to person. It is technically known as novel H1N1, or 2009 H1n1. Contact with farm animals or pork does not increase or decrease your chances of getting the flu.
Early in the outbreak, some groups proposed other names such as North American flu or  
Mexican flu to denote where it first showed up in people. 
What Should I Do?
Doctors say that if you think you have swine flu, the best thing to do is stay at home to rest and to avoid infecting others. You should stay at home until 24 hours after your fever ends.
You need to see a doctor if your fever lasts for several days, if you have trouble breathing or if you have other serious symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms?
Swine flu symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also get a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Preventing The Spread
Doctors say the best way to prevent the spread of swine flu are to follow basic hygiene. Stay away from people who are ill, avoid contact when you can, wash your hands or use antibacterial lotion frequently and try not to put your hands near your face or mouth.
Treating Swine Flu
Products such as Tamiflu or Relenza can help easy symptoms, but they must be taken within 48 hours of getting the disease. Some over-the-counter medications can ease symptoms.
Vaccine
A newly designed vaccine for this flu became available slightly ahead of schedule in October 2009. It is offered as both a nasal spray and as an injection. Government health officials said that the vaccine has minimal side effects -- like the regular seasonal flu vaccine -- and will eventually be available to all who want it.
They specifically urged pregnant women, health care workers, children with underlying health conditions ages 6 months to 24 years and older people with underlying health conditions to get vaccinated.