Being a type of flu, swine flu shares characteristics with other types of flu that make it more contagious than Sars (Severe acquired respiratory syndrome). Below is a comparison of the differences, as listed by Dr Lyn James, Director of the Communicable Diseases Division, Singapore Health Ministry. She was speaking at a press conference this afternoon called by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng.
Swine flu
There is a pre-symptomatic infectious period, which means sufferers are infectious before symptoms appear - up to 24 hours before symptoms appear. Up to one-third of sufferers do not show signs of sickness; however, they can still spread the disease even if they do not show symptoms. Also, sufferers are at their most infectious at the start of the infection.
Severe acquired respiratory syndrome (Sars)
Sufferers are infectious after symptoms start showing. Their peak infectious period is about a week after symptoms show.
(source: health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090429-138263.html )
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