H1N1 Swine Flu - Public Health Update

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs but human cases can and do happen.

The current human cases were first reported in Southern California and Texas. Cases of swine influenza have now been confirmed in several countries including Mexico, US, Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom.

This strain of swine influenza contains a combination of genetic material typical to avian, swine and human flu viruses. Transmission of this new swine influenza virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Antiviral drugs are available which can effectively prevent and treat the infection, most reported cases of this infection outside of Mexico have recovered fully without the need for medical attention or antivirals.

The Health Protection Agency is monitoring this situation closely

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