The swine flu is basically the respiratory illness of pigs caused by the virus named Swine influenza A (SIV). In pigs it spread from one infected hog to another. While in human beings the individual who have had history of being direct in contact with pigs or close within 6feets in contact with pigs have more chances to be caught by this virus. The first out break of the swine flu was in 1976.But that virus was not same as 2009 swine flu. The current swine flu virus is a new form of virus that has changed its ways & because of this that allows it to spread from person to person even if they don’t have any contact with pigs.

Symptoms of swine flu are just like normal flu that includes fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue that’s why its difficult for doctors and even patient to diagnose just on the base of the symptoms. Some other symptoms of swine flu includes vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, headache, chills, fatigue, dyspnea and conjunctivitis.

The swine flu virus spread just like ordinary flu virus. The person can get germs from the coughing and sneezing of the infected person. It can be spread by touching object which is recently touched by infected person and then touching eyes, mouth & nose. This virus can become airborne if infected person cough or sneeze without covering mouth & nose.

Swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.These drugs are more effective if taking within 48 hours of start of flu. However most people have recovered without treatment so not everyone needs those drugs. Vaccines for the swine flu are not yet been made. However clinical test is started by August 2009 in order to produce large quantities of vaccine & it will be ready by September 2009.

The swine flu is suspected to infect children more probably as compare to adults because flu-related brain complications are reported more common in children than adults. That’s why swine flu can cause neurological symptoms in children like change in mental status which may cause behaviors changes.

These events are rare but they can be sever or even fatal. Parents should be careful if they notice a change in the child personality like memory problem irritability soon after the respiratory illness they should alert their child’s doctor as early as possible doctor. It is not yet clear that why these symptoms occur. But it might be because of Reye’s Syndrome.Reyene Syndrome occurs in children having viral illness and who use to take Aspirin. That’s why Aspirin should always be avoided.