Photo Credit: AP Photo: Japanese tourists wear masks as they visit the historic Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. The Ministry of Health announced the third fatal swine flu case, with the death of a 25-year old woman. Egypt has recorded more than 1000 cases of swine flu.

Why is it called “the swine flu”?
“Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” ) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.” ~answers.flu.gov

Who is swine flu affecting?
“The illness, unlike other flu strains, has been particularly tough on children and young adults and appears to have a disproportionately high fatality rate in pregnant women.” ~nytimes.com

What about the vaccine?
The H1N1 vaccine is controversial. Some consider it more dangerous than the flu itself. “The federal vaccination program for H1N1 flu is VOLUNTARY, just like the seasonal flu vaccination program. Top federal health officials highly recommend that people get vaccinated, and they stress that the vaccine is the best defense against the 2009 H1N1 flu. People with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes, health care workers, pregnant women, caregivers for infants under six months of age, and children and young adults from six months to 24 years of age are especially encouraged to participate in this vaccination program. The vaccine will be available to anyone who wants it, and the decision to get vaccinated is up to each individual, parent, or guardian.” ~answers.flu.gov

Is the swine flu a big deal?
“The outbreak of swine flu that was first detected in Mexico was declared a global pandemic on June 11, 2009, in the first designation by the World Health Organization of a worldwide pandemic in 41 years.” ~nytimes.com

Is swine flu spreading in the United States?
Yes. “Forty-six states reported geographically widespread influenza activity, Guam and three states reported regional influenza activity, one state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico reported local influenza activity, and the U.S. Virgin Islands did not report.” ~cdc.gov

For more info check out Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and flu.gov

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