With so much talk about influenza (flu) this season, many people are concerned about taking steps to protect themselves and their loved ones against the illness. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses that usually appear in the winter and early spring. Each year the specific virus changes; this is known as seasonal flu. In the spring of 2009 a new Influenza A virus was identified. This virus is now known as 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, also known as swine flu.

Both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza are spread in the same ways - mainly through droplets, such as saliva and mucous from the mouth, nose and throat - and symptoms are the same for both. In general, symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, nasal congestion/runny nose and general weakness. Some people may also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Below, Dr. Richard Zane, vice-chair of Emergency Medicine, answers commonly asked questions about the H1N1 (swine flu) virus including transmission, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Please use the following links to learn more about both the Seasonal and H1N1 Flu: