Swine Influenza (H1N1)

Influenza A(H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirusA and the most common cause of influenza(flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in human and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seosonal influenza. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very 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. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

The symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and
vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine flu). In the past, severe illness(pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine flu) infection in people. Like seassonal flu, H1N1 (swine flu) may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention:
-Fast breathing or trouble breathing
-Bluish or gray skin color
-Not drinking enough fluids
-Severe or persistent vomiting
-Not waking up or not interacting
-Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
-Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
-Sudden dizziness
-Confusion
-Severe or persistent vomiting
-Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse

Actions to Help Prevent Swine Flu:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.