Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs.  Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections of swine flu have occurred, these are known as “variant viruses”. Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes chills, fever, coughing, and other flu-like symptoms.

 Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. When people get swine flu viruses, it’s usually after contact with pigs, making fairs, feedlots, and food processing facilities sites with higher risk. Human-to-human infection occurs in the same way as other seasonal flu’s, through airborne particles from coughing or sneezing or through touching an infected surface, like a doorknob or sink. The primary mode of prevention is through the yearly flu vaccine.