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What is Swine Flu? H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caught by people if they have a direct contact with infected pigs. Few years ago, it was found that people that had not been near pigs also suffered from the flu. In the year 2009, this disease spread rapidly around the globe on the basis of which World Health Organization referred it as a pandemic. Since then many cases of swine flu have come forward but still the number of cases are not so many. The current swine flu pandemic is not as frightening as it used to seem a few years back but people need to take some precautions to prevent themselves from being infected. Causes of Swine Flu As we have read before that swine flu is contagious therefore, it affects individuals as a seasonal flu. There is a virus named as Influenza which is the main cause behind the H1N1 flu. Such type of a virus usually infects pigs. It is not necessary that an individual gets infected only via direct contact with pigs but the disease is also spread through saliva and mucus particles present in air. The virus enters into the body through eyes, nose and mouth while the person is coughing or sneezing. Also contact with hard surfaces like doorknobs, counters, lift buttons and ATM machines may prove to be dangerous as these are the places where virus my rest and can transfer through hands. An individual cannot get infected if he/she eats pork products that have been cooked at a particular temperature of 71ËšC (160 ËšF). Symptoms of Swine Flu Swine flu share similar symptoms as those of regular influenza. People who are suffering from this contagious disease may experience chills, coughing, fever and sore throat. Some people suffering from this virus have also reported experiencing tiredness, lack of energy, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Diagnosis of Swine Flu: It is quite difficult to figure out that whether a person is suffering from swine flu or regular flu because of similar symptoms. While doctors perform several tests that help in identifying the type of flu virus and its causes. In case if an individual has traveled to such a location where there is an outbreak of swine flu in humans then they are the ones who are at a higher risk of severe infectivity. It is suggested that before visiting a doctor, he should be informed so that he can prepare for your visit in order to save other patients who are visiting the doctor. Reference: http://www.researchomatic.com/swine-flu-168108.html
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