The document summarizes information about H1N1 flu virus (swine flu). It describes how H1N1 is a respiratory virus that infects pigs but can be transmitted to humans. The 2009 H1N1 outbreak was caused by a new strain of influenza that was a combination of viruses from pigs, birds, and humans. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in 2009. Risk factors for serious illness include age (young or old), pregnancy, and underlying health conditions. Symptoms and treatment options are also discussed. Prevention involves vaccination, hand washing, and staying home when sick.
The document summarizes information about H1N1 flu virus (swine flu). It describes how H1N1 is a respiratory virus that infects pigs but can be transmitted to humans. The 2009 H1N1 outbreak was caused by a new strain of influenza that was a combination of viruses from pigs, birds, and humans. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in 2009. Risk factors for serious illness include age (young or old), pregnancy, and underlying health conditions. Symptoms and treatment options are also discussed. Prevention involves vaccination, hand washing, and staying home when sick.
The document summarizes information about H1N1 flu virus (swine flu). It describes how H1N1 is a respiratory virus that infects pigs but can be transmitted to humans. The 2009 H1N1 outbreak was caused by a new strain of influenza that was a combination of viruses from pigs, birds, and humans. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in 2009. Risk factors for serious illness include age (young or old), pregnancy, and underlying health conditions. Symptoms and treatment options are also discussed. Prevention involves vaccination, hand washing, and staying home when sick.
The document summarizes information about H1N1 flu virus (swine flu). It describes how H1N1 is a respiratory virus that infects pigs but can be transmitted to humans. The 2009 H1N1 outbreak was caused by a new strain of influenza that was a combination of viruses from pigs, birds, and humans. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in 2009. Risk factors for serious illness include age (young or old), pregnancy, and underlying health conditions. Symptoms and treatment options are also discussed. Prevention involves vaccination, hand washing, and staying home when sick.
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H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu)
OVERVIEW
H1N1 influenza, referred to as swine flu, is a highly
contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Transmission of swine influenza viruses to humans is uncommon. However, the swine influenza virus can be transmitted to humans via contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine influenza viruses.
Influenza viruses are named according to the types of
proteins on the outer surface of the virus. The two main proteins are hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The swine influenza virus in the 2009 outbreak was an H1N1 virus. In fact, although the term swine flu is often used to describe the outbreak, the official term for the 2009 virus is novel H1N1 influenza.
In the spring of 2009, scientists recognized a particular
strain of flu virus known as H1N1. This virus is a combination of viruses from pigs, birds and humans that causes disease in humans. During the 2009-10 flu season, H1N1 caused the respiratory infection in humans that was commonly referred to as swine flu. Because so many people around the world got sick, in 2009 the World Health Organization declared the flu caused by H1N1 to be a pandemic. In August 2010, the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over.
CAUSES
Earlier forms of the H1N1 virus were found in pigs (swine). Over time, the virus changed (mutated) and infected humans. H1N1 is a new virus first detected in humans in 2009. It spread quickly around the world.
The H1N1 virus (swine flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. The H1N1 virus is now considered a regular flu virus. It is one of the three viruses included in the regular (seasonal) flu vaccine.
You cannot get H1N1 flu virus from eating pork or any other food, drinking water, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs or saunas.
Any flu virus can spread from person to person when:
Someone with the flu coughs or sneezes into air that others breathe in. Someone touches a doorknob, desk, computer, or counter with the flu virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose. Someone touches mucus while taking care of a child or adult who is ill with the flu.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
RISK FACTORS
Some people are at higher risk for becoming seriously ill if they’re infected with swine flu. These groups include:
adults over age 65
children under 5 years old young adults and children under age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin (Bufferin) therapy people with compromised immune systems (due to a disease such as AIDS) pregnant women people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or neuromuscular disease
SYMPTOMS
TREATMENT
Most people with flu, including the H1N1 flu, require only symptom relief. Four Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiviral drugs are sometimes prescribed within the first day or two of symptoms to reduce the severity of symptoms and possibly the risk of complications. These are:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months or older. Each year's seasonal flu vaccines protects against the three or four influenza viruses that are expected to be the most common during that year's flu season, such as H1N1. The vaccine is available as an injection and as a nasal spray. The nasal spray is approved for use in healthy people ages 2 through 49 years old. The nasal spray isn't recommended for some groups, such as pregnant women, children between 2 and 4 years old with asthma or wheezing, and people who have compromised immune systems.
MANAGEMENT
These measures also help prevent the flu and limit its spread:
Stay home if you're sick. If you have the flu, you can give it to others. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use soap and water, or if they're unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands. Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean surfaces. Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent spread of infection from touching a surface with the virus on it and then your face. Avoid contact. Stay away from crowds if possible. And avoid anyone who is sick.
