H1N1 flu is caused by a virus, like all types of flu. In the spring of 2009, many people in Mexico got sick wth swine flu. It has now spread to several countries. At this time, a vaccine for swine flu is being developed and should be available in the fall of 2009.
Flu viruses spread mainly when people who have the disease cough or sneeze. Sometimes people become infected when they touch an infected surface (like a phone receiver) and then touch their mouths or noses.

A person cannot get swine flu by eating or preparing pork.

Symptoms of Swine Flu
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu. They include:

Fever 
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting

Often symptoms come on very quickly. If you or a member of your family has flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider, especially if the symptoms get worse.

Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are at increased risk for getting swine flu. For many pregnant women, the illness will be mild. But for some, swine flu will progress rapidly, and symptoms (such as pneumonia and dehydration) can be serious and even fatal. Some women who have the flu may go into preterm labor.

If you are pregnant, pay close attention to your body and how you feel. If you have flu-like symptoms:

Contact your health care provider right away so that flu medications can be started immediately. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women who appear to have swine flu take an antiviral drug. You must have a prescription from your health provider to get this drug. 
Treat a high fever right away. During pregnancy, high fever may be especially dangerous to the baby. Acetaminophen appears to be the best way to treat fever during pregnancy.
Stay home.
Limit contact with other people.
Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks that have a lot of sugar.
Have someone check on you regularly.
If you are pregnant, avoid caring for anyone who has or may have swine flu if at all possible. The CDC also recommends that pregnant women who have close contact with a person who has or may have the swine flu take an antiviral drug.

Infants and Children
When children under 1 year of age get the flu, they are usually at high risk for complications, including serious conditions such as pneumonia.

Because of the possible risk of complications, infants with swine flu may benefit from an antiviral drug. If your child becomes ill, talk about this option with your baby’s health care provider.

Breastfeeding Women
If you are breastfeeding and have signs of swine flu, talk to your health care provider. If your provider agrees, you can continue breastfeeding while you are ill, even if you are taking an antiviral drug. Mother's milk is made to fight disease. It can help your baby avoid the flu.

To reduce the risk to your baby, wash your hands often. You may also want to wear a face mask.

According to medical scientists, babies are unlikely to get swine flu from breast milk. 

If you feel too ill to breastfeed, you may pump your milk if you feel up to it.

Vaccination Against Swine Flu
Pregnant women should get the vaccine to protect against swine flu as soon as it becomes available. This will help protect mom and baby from the disease, which can be very serious for some pregnant women. A vaccine for swine flu is currently being developed and should be available in the fall of 2009. Check with your health care provider and watch for news reports to learn when the vaccine is available. Expecting moms should also get the vaccine to protect against seasonal flu.

Other groups of people who should be the first to receive the swine flu vaccine are:

People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old
Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age
Health care and emergency workers
People aged 25 through 64 who have chronic health problems or weak immune systems (examples of chronic health problems are asthma, diabetes, lupus and obesity)
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Here are some things you and your family can do to protect yourself and your family against swine flu and the usual seasonal influenza that we see during winter months.

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds every time. Alcohol-based hand cleansers also work well. Handwashing is very important for babies and small children because they put their hands in their mouths a lot.
Avoid people who are ill.
Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Use a tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit. Cover your mouth. Put the used tissue in a covered trash bin.
Keep your hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Clean shared objects more often than you usually do. Examples: phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels, office equipment.
Don’t share personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes, towels, pacifiers and toys that a baby may put in his mouth.
Thoroughly wash with soap and warm water anything that has been in a baby's mouth.
Put a pacifier, including the handle, only in one baby's mouth. Do not put it in anyone else's mouth.
In case you or someone in your family gets the flu, stock up on healthy liquids, acetaminophen, and foods that will keep. Examples: frozen foods, canned goods.

Emergency Warning Signs
Sometimes swine flu worsens, and the person needs immediate medical care. Here are the common warning signs.

For Infants and Children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or interacting
Being so irritable that the child doesn’t want to be held
Fever with a rash
Flu-like symptoms improve, but then come back with fever and worse cough
For Adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe vomiting
Vomiting that goes on and on
Remember - swine flu is a new illness and issues around it may change over time. Talk to your health provider to get the most up to date information or visit the CDC Web site.