 Despite being informally called " swine flu " , the H1N1 flu virus cannot be spread by eating pork or pork products ; similar to other influenza viruses , it is typically contracted by person to person transmission through respiratory droplets . Symptoms usually last 4 – 6 days . Antivirals ( oseltamivir or zanamivir ) were recommended for those with more severe symptoms or those in an at @-@ risk group . 
