The essentials

There's been a lot of concern about a new strain of influenza that emerged in 2009. It's been called 'swine flu' because this strain of flu virus is thought to have started in pigs. It spread quickly around the world, but most people who have it are not seriously ill.

We've brought together the best research about swine flu and weighed up the evidence about how to treat it. You can use our information to decide which treatments are best for you.

What is swine flu?
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
What treatments work for swine flu?
How common is swine flu?
What will happen to me?
Further information

In Brief

Flu
If you catch flu, you'll probably feel very ill with a headache, fever, chills, and aches. But most people get better without needing any treatment.
Swine flu
There's been a lot of concern about the spread of swine flu, a new strain of flu virus which emerged in 2009. However, there are treatments that can help with symptoms. And there are things you can do to help protect yourself from catching the virus.
Last updated: Feb 02, 2011