Despite the fact that 40 cases of swine flu have been confirmed as of 4/27/09 in the United States and Health Officials are on high alert,  today President Barack Obama called the situation a "cause for concern", but not "a cause for alarm" yet.  In most cases in the U.S, the Swine Flu has been mild and it is responding to anti-viral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza.  Here are some key facts about Swine Flu.

Here are the answers to the 3 most asked questions.  The information is compiled from data released by the World Health Organization and the CDC.

Q: What is swine flu?

First of all, there are many forms of Influenza. The flu infects people, birds, pigs and other animals like ferrets. This particular strain of Influenza A H1N1 that generated in Mexico is a genetic mixture of viruses that have been seen in pigs, birds and people. They are calling it Swine Flu because the overall structure is the type that affects pigs. 

Q: How do people catch swine flu?

The flu is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract, meaning when you have it and you are sneezing and coughing without covering your mouth and nose those infected droplets spread through the air.  The World Health Organization says you can not get this flu from eating pork.

Q: What are the symptoms of swine flu?

With Influenza you normally see:  coughing, sneezing, body aches, fever, chills and lethargy.  Swine flu causes the same symptoms as seasonal Influenza, although some people are reporting a runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which you don't typically have with Influenza.  It may be difficult to distinguish between different strains of flu and other upper respiratory infections that's why it's important if you have a fever and aches and feel worse than you normally would expect to you should see a doctor.

Hygiene is so important in preventing the spread of what ever is going around and including influenza. Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, throw your tissues away after you use them once, keep your hands away from your mouth and stay home when you are sick to prevent others from getting it.