Swine flu is an infection caused by several kinds of swine influenza viruses. The virus is mostly common in pig populations around the globe. While rare, when the virus is transmitted from pigs to humans it is known as zoonotic swine flu.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
- Swine influenza A virus infection (swine flu) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
- Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. People with swine flu also can have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with swine flu infection.
- Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from swine flu infection, such as persons with chronic medical conditions.
- Sometimes bacterial infections may occur at the same time as or after infection with influenza viruses and lead to pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections.
