Is the current flu virus of the mutating type?

Answer 1

There are currently two known subtypes of Influenza A that are infective to humans and called the Swine Flu. One is called Influenza Type A H1N1, it is infective to humans and pigs and was the initial swine flu strain that surfaced originally in the 1930s, again in the 1970's, and perhaps another time or two in very small outbreaks since then in humans, but which has been active in hogs for these decades.

There is also the new strain called Swine Flu that was identified first in late March, 2009 and has now become called Influenza Type A H1N1/09 Virus or Novel H1N1 (see the related questions below about the names of the new Swine Flu, what caused it and when and where it began).

Answer 2

All flu and cold viruses mutate, it is how they bypass your immune system's attempts to rid it from your body. When it mutates, your immune system doesn't recognize it as the same virus and the antibodies it built in the past for the original version no longer protect you.

Answer 3

Well, the swine flu itself is a mutation of a flu that used to only affect pigs. So far, there are no further mutations of it that we know of.

Answer 4

All viruses, including influenza viruses, are able to mutate quickly.