What is Swine Influenza?
H1N1 Flu, commonly known as swine flu, is an illness that is causing people to become sick primarily across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Discovered in April 2009, the virus is spread through person-to-person contact much in the way traditional influenza is transmitted.
Why the name Swine Flu?
H1N1 was originally called “swine flu” because testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to flu viruses that can occur normally in North American pigs. However, further study unearthed that the virus is very different from pig flu. It has a combination of genes from flu viruses found in pigs, some avian genes, and some human genes, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Click on the link below for a Red Cross fact sheet that will provide you with factual information to help you prepare and protect yourself and your family.
American Red Cross, Greater Hanover Chapter
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