SWINE FLU - FAQ from WHO - World Health Organization
Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs,
caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Morbidity tends to be high and
mortality low (1-4%). The...
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SWINE FLU - FAQ from WHO - World Health Organization
Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs,
caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Morbidity tends to be high and
mortality low (1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect
contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an
increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones. Many countries routinely
vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza.
Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are
also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be infected with avian
influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses.
The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally introduced into pigs by
humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus type at a time, which
can allow the ge
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