H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

Cause

H1N1 flu is caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. At first, experts thought that the virus was spread from pigs to people. But they later found that H1N1 flu is caused by a new virus. After a person is infected, he or she may spread the flu to other people by coughing or sneezing.

Drops from a cough or sneeze from an infected person can move through the air. Breathing them in can make you sick. You can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it, such as a desk or counter, and then touching your mouth or nose.

You can't get H1N1 flu from eating pork.

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Author:	Deborah Dakins	Last Updated: August 25, 2009
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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