Question: What Is Swine Flu?
Answer: The flu that began circulating in news reports mid-2009, known as the swine flu, is an illness in humans caused by an influenza virus that is much like other common flu viruses that come and go each year. The reason it's causing so much worry, however, is because it isn't one that's come and gone around previously. That means more people can catch it since they haven't built up any immunity to it.
The CDC states, "Early reports indicate that no children and few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus." This is similar to but more pronounced than what happens each flu season (October through March) when different strains of more common flu viruses circulate. Those new strains tend to get the most people sick because of a lack of exposure and immunity.
Learn more about what this swine flu means to you and your toddler.