* Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in a barking cough, decreased appetite, nasal secretions, and listless behaviour; the virus can be transmitted to humans.

* Swine flu viruses may mutate (change) so that they are easily transmissible among humans.

* The 2009 swine flu outbreak (pandemic) was due to infection with the H1N1 virus and was first observed in Mexico.

* Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to most influenza infections: fever (100 F or greater), cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, and headache.

* Vaccination is the best way to prevent or reduce the chances of becoming infected with influenza viruses.

* Two antiviral agents, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu), have been reported to help prevent or reduce the effects of swine flu if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

* The most serious complication of the flu is pneumonia.

* Human swine flu usually causes a short-term illness similar to seasonal flu.

* Good hygiene is very important and can reduce your risk of getting human swine flu or passing it on to other people.

* Australia has very good communicable disease surveillance and control systems in place to detect and respond to outbreaks of illness.

* A free vaccine is available in Australia for everyone who wants it. The vaccine is especially important for people at high risk.