For the past many months “Swine Flu” (H1N1) has been all over the news. But what is it? According to Flu.Gov, is a new influenza with two genes from flu viruses that are normally found in pigs in Europe and Asia, plus avian and human genes. Scientists are calling this a “quadruple reassortant” virus. The name “Swine Flu” tends to scare people, but in fact, the flu doesn’t come from eating meet or pork at all. It is a respiratory disease, so it is spread by germs just like any other type of influenza. The first case of H1N1 was diagnosed in April of 2009 in the United States, the illness has ranged from mild to severe, while most of the cases have recovered without medical treatment, however hospitalization and deaths have occurred. 70% of hospitalized patients have been placed in a “higher risk” category because of other health concerns such as; pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease. It has however been proven that one third of adults over 60 are at a lower risk because they may have antibodies that will help protect against the disease.
The symptoms for H1N1 are very similar to the regular seasonal flu; fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache or body aches, chills, and fatigue, but may have a higher fever or severe vomiting. There are other symptoms to look for that are worthy of a trip the emergency room to seek medical attention; Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness.
There is now a vaccine to protect against the virus but it is in high demand and will only be given to those at higher risk, those with other medical needs, and children under 18.
To Learn More about the H1N1 disease- Visit the “Swine Flu Website”
