Influenza A virus H1N1 Known As Swine Flu
What is influenza A virus H1N1 also known as swine flu?
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 (swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in humans. This new virus was first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas in early April 2009. This virus is spreading from one person to another all over the world, just like the regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
A (H1N1) has been called swine flu because it has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, but the virus also has avian genes and human genes.
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of H1N1 flu was underway. The pandemic flu virus is unique, that is why people have no immunity or resistance to it.
How does influenza A virus H1N1 compare to seasonal flu?
The results of a multi-hospital study of severe A (H1N1) cases suggest severity is linked to a genetic variation in the immune system. This could explain why some ethnic groups are more affected by flu. A genetic mutation could also explain why some people suffer severely or even die from swine flu while others experience only mild symptoms.
Seasonal influenza viruses attach to receptors found on cells in the nose, throat and upper airway, enabling them to infect a person’s respiratory tract. In the current study, the researchers have found that pandemic H1N1 swine flu can also attach to a receptor found on cells deep inside the lungs, which can result in a more severe lung infection. They say that the pandemic influenza virus’s ability to stick to the additional receptors may explain why the virus replicates, and spreads between cells more quickly.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the Influenza A virus (H1N1).
Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection. This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.
Preventative measures to protect your health and avoid getting the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with influenza-like illness, keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
- Avoid nonessential travel to areas with high rates of transmission.
The spread of swine flu is fast emerging as number one healthcare emergency not just in the country but the world over. Despite the issue being in the media for a long time, there continue to be ignorance and misinformation about the disease and how to handle it.
During the September – October 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States. Flu activity is now widespread in 37 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness increased over last month and are higher than expected for this time of year. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are increasing as well, and are higher than expected.