History

• In the past century, there have been three outbreaks of pandemic flu. The most severe of these took place in 1918 and infected one-third of the global population; the culprit strain was closely related to the modern "swine flu" virus.
  
  

Significance

• Officials with the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control have expressed concern that 2009 H1N1 may result in a global pandemic that would sicken or kill many millions of people.
  
  

Effects

• The symptoms and effects of 2009 H1N "swine flu" are nearly identical to seasonal flu. They include congestion, fever, chills, body aches and fatigue. Nausea and vomiting may also occur, especially in children.
  
  

Misconceptions

• The U. S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have assured consumers that swine flu is not transmitted through the consumption of cooked pork.
  
  

Considerations

• Swine flu can be successfully prevented through the use of common-sense precautions, including hand-washing, nutritional supplements, vaccination and the avoidance of people who are known to be ill.