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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNovel H1N1 flu, popularly known as swine flu, is a respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus first recognized in spring 2009. The new virus, which is officially called swine influenza A (H1N1), contains genetic material from human, swine and avian flu viruses.
Technically, the term "swine flu" refers to influenza in pigs. Occasionally, pigs transmit influenza viruses to people, mainly hog farm workers and veterinarians. Less often, someone infected occupationally passes the infection to others. You can't catch swine flu from eating pork.
Unlike typical swine flu, H1N1 flu spreads quickly and easily. In June 2009, when the infection's spread had been verified worldwide, the World Health Organization declared H1N1 flu a global pandemic.
An H1N1 vaccine has been developed for the 2009-10 flu season.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Swine influenza in pigs and people. Accessed April 28, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/pdf/brochure.pdf
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swine flu questions and answers. Swine flu and you. Accessed April 27, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Investigation and Interim Recommendations: Swine influenza (H1N1). Accessed April 27, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/pdf/HAN_042509.pdf
- World Health Organization. Swine flu illness in the United States and Mexico —Update Accessed April 27, 2009. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_26/en/print.html
- CDC. Swine flu—general info. Accessed April 27, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
- CDC. Interim guidance on antiviral recommendations for patients with confirmed or suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection and close contacts. Accessed April 27, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm
- World now at the start of 2009 influenza pandemic. Statement to the press by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_pandemic_phase6_20090611/en/index.html. Accessed June 11, 2009.
