H1N1 Influenza

Everything You Want to Know About H1N1 Influenza

What exactly is H1N1 influenza and why is it targeting humans?  If you are pondering this question, you can join the millions of other people around the world who are just as scared and confused.  The swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by an influenza virus.  It infects the respiratory tract in pigs, resulting in listless behavior, decreased appetite and a bark-like cough.  Pigs that do survive, typically see symptoms for two weeks.

In 1930, the swine influenza virus was recognized by veterinarians and pork producers to cause infection in pigs around the world.  In quite a few instances, people contracted H1N1 influenza from being in constant contact with pigs such as pork processors and farmers.  Alternatively, pigs have also become infected with human flu viruses as well.  Unfortunately, this cross-species situation has the potential to change its structure.  Research shows that this flu contains one human flu strain, five swine strains and two bird strains.

History

This first major outbreak occurred in 1976 at Fort Dix.  It was not exactly the same as the 2009 occurrence but quite similar.  There was one death that resulted at Fort Dix so the government produced a vaccine however, it was discontinued because it was found to cause neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.  Some people suggest that formalin that was used to inactivate the virus contributed to the complications.

There is no indication that the vaccine from 1976 could have even treated the H1N1 influenza eruption of 2009.  New vaccines take awhile to create because scientists have to grow the virus particles in eggs.  Therefore, individuals who are allergic to eggs should never receive a vaccine as they can suffer from an allergic reaction.

Can a Vaccine Prevent the Swine Flu?

Prevention is key when it comes to the swine flu, especially if you fall in a category that is more prone to infection.  The following groups of people should be the first to be given vaccines:

  • Pregnant women.
  • Individuals who care for or live with children under six months old.
  • Emergency and health care medical service personnel.
  • Individuals between the age of 6 months and 24 years of age.
  • People between the ages of 25 and 64 who have diabetes, asthma or a weakened immune system.
  • Border workers or travelers to other countries.

Unfortunately, it has been found that the vaccine is not as effective in children under the age of 9 so CDC recommends that these children receive a second shot exactly 21 days after the initial vaccine was administered.

Diagnosis

The swine flu is clinically diagnosed with the help of observing any contact that the patient has had with other people who may have symptoms or know that they have the virus.  A nasopharyngeal swab is taken to determine if there is influenza A or B present.  The majority of tests used today are able to distinguish between the two.  The test can be positive or negative.  If there is B flu present, the individual most likely does not have the swine flu.  However, if the test is positive for type A, the patient may have H1N1 or a conventional flu strain.

The validity of these tests has been questioned so the CDC developed a new test that can detect the virus in under one hour which is currently only available for military use.

Symptoms

It is quite important for individuals to know if they have H1N1 influenza without laboratory testing because symptoms are pretty much identical to the traditional flu.  If you have symptoms such as a high fever, fatigue, headache, cough and nasal secretions and have been anywhere that you could have contracted the virus, it is imperative that you stay away from other people and seek medical attention.