H1N1 flu (swine flu) facts

The "swine flu" virus currently circulating in Mexico and parts of the United States as well as other countries appears to be a novel virus with a combination of genetic elements not seen previously.
It is a form of H1N1 virus, a naming pattern that refers to important antigens on the surface of the virus. A form of H1N1 virus circulated during the regular flu season this year, but this is a new virus.
Because this is a novel virus, no vaccine exists to prevent infection with it. However, symptoms can be shortened and made less virulent by anti-viral drugs, if they are taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. This virus is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
People can protect themselves and their neighbors by frequently washing their hands and covering their noses and mouths if they have to cough or sneeze. If you have symptoms such as coughing, runny nose and/or fever, see your doctor for testing. Your doctor can advise you about taking anti-viral drugs.

The numbers and locations of cases in Mexico, the United States and around the world change regularly. The CDC and the World Health Organization keep the statistics. Updates on travel information and treatments are also available at their web sites.

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