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Swine Flu FAQ
CDC
works very closely with state and local officials in areas where human
cases of new H1N1 flu infections have been identified. CDC has deployed
staff to several states to assist with the investigation of the impact
of the novel H1N1 influenza, including the assessment of the severity
of illness, how easily the virus spreads, and the amount of time people
may be infectious. In states where EpiAid teams have been deployed,
many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned including: H1N1
(referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing
illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the
United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and
Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is
spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that
regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
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.
Like
all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be
infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as
swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species
infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses
that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can
emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have
emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus
subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1.
However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have
been H1N1 viruses.
Like
seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu in humans can vary in severity from mild
to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu
were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu
infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy
32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia
after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu
outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than
200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
It’s
not known at this time how severe this virus will be in the general
population. CDC is studying the medical histories of people who have
been infected with this virus to determine whether some people may be
at greater risk from infection, serious illness or hospitalization from
the virus. In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher
risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65
years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women,
and people of any age with chronic medical conditions. It’s unknown at
this time whether certain groups of people are at greater risk of
serious flu-related complications from infection with this new virus.
CDC also is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people
might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age.
CDC
has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from
human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the
virus spreads between people.
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 seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine)
flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Vaccines
are usually given to prevent infections. Influenza vaccines are made
from either pieces of the killed influenza virus or weakened versions
of the live virus that will not lead to disease. When vaccinated, the
body’s immune system makes antibodies which will fight off infection if
exposure to the virus occurs. Antivirals are drugs that can treat
people who have already been infected by a virus. They also can be
used to prevent infection when given before or shortly after exposure
and before illness occurs. A key difference between a vaccine and
antiviral drug is that the antiviral drug will prevent infection only
when administered within a certain time frame before or after exposure
and is effective during the time that the drug is being taken while a
vaccine can be given long before exposure to the virus and can provide
protection over a long period of time. *cited from: www.pandemicflu.govWhat epidemiological investigations are taking place in response to the recent outbreak?
What is H1N1 (swine) flu?
Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
How many H1N1 (swine) flu viruses are there?
How serious is H1N1 (swine) flu infection?
How severe is illness associated with this new H1N1 virus?
Is this H1N1 (swine) flu virus contagious?
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?
What is the difference between a vaccine and an antiviral?
