What is "swine flu"?

Influenza, or flu, is an acute respiratory disease caused by infection with an influenza virus. There are three types of influenza virus- A, B and C. Almost all influenzas affecting humans are from Types A and B. Pandemics are caused by the emergence of a new strain of influenza that is easily transmissible between humans. As we generally tend to have little to no immunity to new strains of influenza, the virus can spread very rapidly through populations.

Influenza A(H1N1) is the result of the combination of two swine influenzas that contained genes of avian and human origin. It is not uncommon for influenza viruses to cross the species barrier. However, this particular virus has never been observed anywhere in the world. It is therefore referred to as a novel influenza. While Influenza A(H1N1) may have some of its genetic roots in swine influenza, it is a human influenza and it is inaccurate to describe it as "swine flu".

There is no need to avoid eating pork products. The virus is killed by cooking temperatures if 160F/70C, corresponding to general guidelines for cooking meat products.