H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. H1N1 flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human-to-human spread of H1N1 flu virus is occurring, similar to the spread of regular seasonal flu viruses.
The new virus was first detected in people in the U.S. in April 2009 and more and more states have been reporting cases of this illness. The cases in Mexico have had a high fatality rate, but most cases in the United States have been mild and many patients recover without treatment.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include:
- fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- cough
- sore throat
- muscle aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- diarrhea (not common)
- vomiting (not common)
