It’s not too late to post facts on AH1N1 epidemic since this may happen anytime,  anywhere and to anybody.  This AH1N1 facts are still very useful to understand better and avoid this kind of flu from pigs and birds.  This article is based on the new publication of EMBER (The Official Student Publication of Mount Carmel College, Escalante City, Negros Occidental).  This was researched by Roju M. Dumdum the Editor-in Chief.

What is an A(H1N1) virus?

Influenza Avirus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans.  It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.  People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen.  IN late March and early April, cases of human infection with H1N1 flue were reported in several countries and US states.

Nomenclature

Influenza A virus strains are categorized according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin(H) and neuraminidase(N).  All influenza A  viruses contain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, but the structure of these proteins differ from strain to strain due to rapid genetic mutation in hte viral genome.

Influenza A virus strains are assigned an H number and N number based on which forms of these two proteins the strain contains.  There are 16 H and 9 N subtypes known in birds, but only H 1,2, and 3  and N 1 and 2 are commonly found in humans.

Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?

The virus was originally referred to as “swine flue” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America  But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.

How is the H1N1 virus spread?

H1N1 flu is spread like seasonal flue, when a person coughs or sneezes, sending contaminated respiratory doplets into the air where another personmay inhale them.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching a contaminated surface of object and then touching their won eyes, nose or mouth.

What are the symtoms of H1N1 flu?

The symtoms of hte H1N1 flue are similar to hte symtoms of seasonal flue and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, runny or stuffy nose and fatigue.  Some people have reported nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 infection in people.  Like seasonal flue, H1N1 flue may cause underlying chronic medical conditions to worsen.

Who is at risk for getting the H1N1 virus?

Cases of H1N1 flue have most commonly occurred in people who have direct contact with infected swine.  People can also get sick from other infected people.  A person who has H1N1 flue may be able to infect other people one day before his/her symboms develop to seven days after showing symptoms.

What is the best way to protect myself against H1N1?

At this time the public is encouraged to protect themselves by following common sense, proven disease prevention methods, including:

• frequent hand washing with soap and water,
• keeping a distance of at least six feet from people who are sick, and
• avoid touching your own eyes, mouth or nose.

Individuals who are sick are encouraged to protect the community by:

• staying home while ill,
• covering their cough or sneese, and
• avoid sharing personal items such as utensils, drinks or a toothbursh with family members.

What should I do if I develop symptoms of hte H1N1 virus?

People who develop flu-like symptoms and have a history of recent travel to a location where cases of H1N1 flue have been confirmed, or have had close personal contact with someone who as a confirmed case of H1N1 flue, should contact their health care provider.

How did the new virus develop? Where did if come from?

In general, influenza viruses commonly stick to one species when it comes to infection; for example, dogs and cats don’t get seasonal flue from their owners.  However, under the right conditions, influenza viruses from different species are capable of mizing and swapping DNA (this is called reassortment), resulting in a new virus.  Swine flue can merge with other influenza viruses, such as avian or human flu to produce new strains.  The 2009 H1N1 flu virus consists of North American swine influenza viruses, North American avian influenza viruses, and swine influenza virus found in both Asia and Europe.

Can I get the 2009 H1N1 virus from eating pork?

No.  There are no reported cases of hte 2009 H1N1 flue virus in people from eating pork.  this new virus is not a food – borne disease.  However good food hygine is always recommended to protect yourself and your family from disease.

Are there medicines to treat infection with this new virus?

Yes.  Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for hte treatment  and/or prevention of of infection with these new influenza A(H1N1) viruses.  Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flue by keeping flue viruses from reproducing in your body.  If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.  They may also prevent serious flu complications.  During the current outbreak, the priority for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness.