Swine Flu Epidemic (H1N1)

Facts and Myths about the Virus

Sep 2, 2009 Matthew Pizzolato

The H1N1 Swine Flu first made headlines in mid-April 2009, leaving many to wonder if the world is on the verge of another pandemic.

The swine flu virus is believed to have originated in Mexico, where the first known case was a 5 year old boy in the village of La Gloria. It is called the Swine Flu because the majority of the genes in the virus are normal Swine Flu genes. However, it also contains elements of the avian flu as well as human flu genes.

The technical name of the virus is the H1N1 flu or the “novel influenza A (H1N1) virus,” according to the Centers for Disease Control, while the World Health Organization refers to the virus as the "pandemic influenza A (H1N1)."

Swine Flu Facts

Symptoms of the Swine Flu are similar to normal flu symptoms, such as coughing, runny nose, body aches and fever. However, some victims of the swine flu have experienced diarrhea and vomiting. The majority of the swine flu sufferers have recovered on their own without receiving treatment. So far, the cases in the United States have been relatively mild.

• The Swine Flu is spread in the same manner as the seasonal flu, by contact with people who are sick and cough or sneeze in the vicinity of other people.
• Influenza viruses can live on hard surfaces for two days, but in objects such as clothing, they can survive for up to twelve days.
• In the past, Swine Flu viruses have been transmitted from pigs to people or from people to pigs, but the H1N1 virus can only be contracted by human to human transmission.
• The best way to avoid getting the Swine Flu is to wash hands frequently and avoid contact with people that are sick.

Swine Flu Myths

Since the onset of the virus, a popular myth was that the virus could be contracted by eating pork. However, this myth is false. People cannot contract swine flu by eating pork or pork products.

There is no need to fear contamination in the water supply or contracting the virus from the neighborhood swimming pool. Influenza is an airborne respiratory disease.

“There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure,” according to an article on the website of the Centers for Disease Control.

Swine Flu Vaccine

At this time, there is not a vaccine for the Swine Flu, but work is currently underway to develop one before the fall when the traditional flu season begins. It is expected to become available in early to mid-October.

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the swine flu.

Sources:

WebMD.com Retrieved on 9/1/09.

Centers For Disease Control Retrieved on 9/1/09.

The copyright of the article Swine Flu Epidemic (H1N1) in Health Field is owned by Matthew Pizzolato. Permission to republish Swine Flu Epidemic (H1N1) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

H1N1 Virus