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What is the H1N1 Flu Virus?

The H1N1 virus, or swine flu, was first detected in the U.S. in April, 2009. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 "is causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years."

  1. Origin

    • According to flu.gov, the H1N1 flu virus is likely the result of reassortment, "a process through which two or more influenza viruses can swap genetic information by infecting a single human or animal host." The CDC believes that the reassortment which resulted in the H1N1 virus likely occurred in herds of North American as well as Eurasian pigs years before the virus was detected in humans.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms for H1N1, according to flu.gov, include "fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea." H1N1 symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Most cases of H1N1 that require hospitalization occur in persons the CDC considers to be at high risk for "serious flu-related complications." Those at a higher risk include persons with "diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, and women who are pregnant."

    Potential

    • H1N1 is a highly contagious flu virus. According to the CDC, "H1N1 flu is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected persons." You can also catch the virus by touching a surface that an infected person has been in contact with and then touching your mouth or nose.

    Misconceptions

    • Contrary to rumor, you can't catch H1N1 by eating pork, says the CDC. The virus is airborne.

    Prevention

    • H1N1 is a preventable respiratory disease. Visit your physician to get the N1H1 influenza vaccination. Also, wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs to you and others.

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