Swine Flu

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: "Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A Influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people."

Symptoms include many of the same common flu symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some have reported diarrhea and vomiting. In past cases, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death has been reported with swine flu infection in people. And the CDC adds, "like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions."

The flu is spread just like the common human flu-- by coughing, sneezing, or touching something that has been infected with the such as a doorknob or keyboard. The virus can live up to 2 hours on these types of objects. And startling enough, the Swine Flu can be passed along person-to-person a day before symptoms develop and 7 days after.

It's important to know, that the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Your best method of protection is washing your hands often. Keep in mind, you can not contract Swine Flu from eating or preparing pork or pork products.

As of this moment, New York is leading with 28 cases reported. You can find up-to-the-minute information on cases reported by clicking here.