“2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization(WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.”
       

                     

The H1N1 flu virus is not expected to be any more harmful than the seasonal flu, however, this acute and highly contagious respiratory disease can still cause complications in certain groups of people, including children.