Swine Flu: Questions and Answers

What Is Swine Flu? How Do I Avoid It? What Do I Do If I Have It?

By JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN
Abc News

The flu, generally, is a much more serious illness than most people appreciate. Even a "typical" flu season results in 36,000 American deaths each year, according to CDC statistics.

As U.S. officials warn that the number of swine flu cases in the country are likely to increase, there are a number of steps Americans can do to protect themselves and their children from this virus.

(Getty Images)

The situation with swine flu is rapidly evolving, but here are some answers to questions on the top issues. Get the latest from the U.S. Centers on Disease Control and Prevention here: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

What is the swine flu?

The swine flu is a type of influenza virus usually found in pigs. The most common version is H1N1, and the current virus causing concern is a new variation of an H1N1 virus.

Swine flu does not typically pass to humans directly, but such transmission can occur. The current swine flu virus is concerning to health experts because it has shown the ability to pass from human to human.

How big a threat is this new swine flu virus? Read more...