What is the swine flu?

The swine influenza a  virus that has infected humans in the America  & Mexico is a novel influenza a virus that has not previously been identified in North America. This virus is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine(Symmetrel) and rimantadine(Flumadine), but is sensitive too seltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir(Relenza). Investigations of these cases suggest that on-going human-to-human swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is occurring. Swine flu is a respiratory illness of pigs caused by infection with swine influenza A virus (SIV) that can occasionally affect humans. The disease first came to attention in 1976 with the death of an army recruit from swine flu. Widespread fear then led to an often-criticized mass inoculation program in the United States that resulted in illnesses and deaths. Source by:medicinenet.com