What exactly is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by the influenza type A which previously only infected pigs.

There are carious types of influenza type A and the infection is constantly mutating.

Previously it had not normally infected humans, but the latest mutation clearly does, and can now be spread from person to person most likely through coughing and sneezing.

Why is this swine flu new?

.H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis but this latest version of H1N1 is different as it contains material that is more normally found in strains that affect birds, humans and swine.

Flu viruses have the ability to swap genetic components with each other, and it seems likely that the new version of H1N1 resulted from a mixing of different versions of the virus, which may usually affect different species, in the same animal host.

Pigs provide an excellent 'melting pot' for these viruses to mix and match with each other.

Is it dangerous?

In humans the symptoms of swine flu appear to be similar to those produced by regular seasonal flu such as cough, sore throat, fever, aching body, chills and fatigue.

Most cases so far reported around the world appear to be mild, but in Mexico, where the outbreak is thought to have started lives have been lost.

Should people be worried?

Any newly emerging strain of flu e is monitored very closely by the World Health Organization incase it has the potential to spark a global epidemic, or pandemic. They have warned that the Mexican and US cases could potentially trigger a global pandemic, and have stressed that the situation is serious adding that the world is closer to a flu pandemic than at any point since 1968

Nobody can accurately predict the full potential impact of a pandemic, but experts have warned that, like the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, it could cost millions of lives worldwide

There is hope though that, as humans are often exposed to forms of H1N1 through seasonal flu, our immune systems may have be able to fight this infection, which may explain why the cases of swine flu in the USA have not been as serious as those in Mexico

However, normal, seasonal flu tends to affect the elderly and this strain has disproportionately affected many young victims

Can the virus be contained?

It is unlikely. This virus appears to have already started to spread around the world, and experts believe that containment of the virus is unlikely as many people fly as a matter of routine.

Can the virus be treated?

Yes. US authorities say that Relenza and Tamiflu, two drugs commonly used to treat common flu, seem to be effective at treating cases of swine flu that have occurred there so far. The drugs need to be administered at an early stage to be effective and will help reduce the spread of the virus to others.

It is unclear how effective currently available flu vaccines would be at offering protection against the new strain, as it is genetically distinct from other flu strains.

Any new bespoke new vaccine would take months to design and manufacture.

What can I do to stay safe?

If you have flu like symptoms and have been in contact with people who have been in Mexico or the USA or with anyone else who has had contact with the swine virus should seek medical advice by telephone from your healthcare provider. You Should not attend your local doctor's clinic incase you further spread the virus.

What can I do to prevent infection?

Avoid close contact with people who are unwell and who have any flu like symptoms.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus to other people.

Clean door handles, worktops, telephones etc frequently using a normal cleaning product.

If caring for someone with a flu-like illness, a mask can be worn to cover the nose and mouth to reduce the risk of transmission.

Can I eat pig meat?

Yes. There is no evidence that swine flu can spread through eating meat but be sure to cook the meat properly at a high temperature to kill any virus.