Swine flu is a respiratory disease which infects pigs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many Influenza A viruses. Symptoms are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus that has infected humans in the U.S. and Mexico is a novel influenza A virus that has not previously been identified in North America. This virus is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), but is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Investigations of these cases suggest that on-going human-to-human swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is occurring.
With H1N1 swine flu virus spreading faster in India, be aware of the swine flu symptoms in humans. Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention are listed below both for adults and children.