The Spread of H1N1 Virus
H1N1 virus is the subtype of influenza A, which is most commonly found in humans. In the year 2009, World Health Organization declared the new strain that has swine origin to be the main cause of the year’s flu pandemic. Swine influenza has other names such as hog flu, swine flu and pig flu. The subtypes of the influenza are H1N1, H1N2, H2N3 and H3N2.
H1N1 virus is fatal and quite common throughout the world wherever the pig population is present. Transmission of virus from the pigs to human is unusual and results in production of antibodies in the blood stream. In case such a transmission causes influenza, it is known as zoonotic swine flu. Regular contact with pigs can be avoided to get away from the increased risk of swine flu contraction.
H1N1 virus fatal induces symptoms like sore throat, fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue and chills. The outbreak of 2009 swine flu brings increased awareness amongst the medicinal world since additional symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting have become visible. The researches have found out that it cannot come under the category of zoonotic flu because it is not transformed from pig to humans. It has been observed to spread from human to human. Swine flu is confirmed by the laboratory test of a respiratory sample. A simple nose and throat swab can give a confirmed idea of the disease in detail.
H1N1 virus is fatal and deaths are common amongst young children and aged people. The major cause of the death is the failure of functioning of the respiratory organs. There are other causes such as pneumonia, high fever, electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.
In April 2009, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention in U.S.A. declared H1N1 virus fatal. Further, it is considered to be epidemic and is said to affect all age group of people across the world. It reveals the same symptoms of seasonal flu such as sore throat stuffy nose, headache, chills and fever. But it is capable of creating more damage in human’s health such as pneumonia and in some cases even death.
According to CDC, people with respiratory problems like asthma and other chronic conditions are prone to get infected by this virus. Other high risk groups of people are children below 5 years of age and people above 65 years age and pregnant women.
Swine flu can be circulated easily in workplaces, school and other mass gatherings. Doctors, nurses and health care professionals need to be in constant touch with affected people. They should certainly take flu vaccination and wash their hands very often and wipe out their hands with paper towels rather than clothes. This may help in curtailing the spread of the disease. Covering the mouth while sneezing and coughing is also important to control the virus.
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