Swine flu is mainly caused by the virus h1n1. This can be got from another infected person. Air particles that are infected and the items that are used by patients can be carriers of the infection

Swine flu gets transmitted from human to human or to pets. This can be caused by air particles that are infected. This can also be due to close association with infected people

Flu symptoms can be one or more in the following. Chills, headache, body aches, muscle pain, malaise, tiredness, fever, sore throat, cough or congested nose. It is a respiratory problem and not a stomach related ailment

Flu usually lasts for 3-7 days in otherwise healthy people. If you have weakened body resistance, the flu is likely to last longer. Children and aged or people with pre medical conditions will have the flu for a longer duration

The Spanish flu in 1918 took a toll of lives and all those victims were born well before 1957. As such there is no guarantee that all born before 1957 have antibodies genetically formed to protect them against this viral strain

CDC has advised all to take up the vaccine on time. Since the ill effects of the infection are more and have proven fatal, it is safe to get vaccinated. But 1 in million cases of flu shot recipients have suffered from nervous system disorders like Gullian Barre Syndrome

H1N1 vaccine has been reported to be safe by CDC. But considering the ill effects of the disease, it is recommended that you get vaccinated. However very rare cases of Gullian Barre Syndrome have been spotted too

Viral shed happens from 1 day before getting sick to 5-7 days later. Be away from others during this period. This can help in disease prevention in others around you

Mainly, the disease is passed from infected patients. When the infected patient sneezes or coughs, he ejects the infectious droplets into air. This air when inhaled by healthy people prove to be the cause of the swine flu. Other carriers include surfaces and utensils handled by patients who have got infected

It all started with symptoms similar to regular seasonal flu in Mexico. Later in April 2009, this became a pandemic when rashes, diarrhea and vomiting were also reported by infected people and the number skyrocketed