H1N1 Facts

FACTS ABOUT 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA

WHAT IS INFLUENZA A?

A group of viruses that cause contagious respiratory disease

Many different strains of influenza exist

Strains typically infect different animals

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 continues to circulate among birds in certain regions

H1N1 is one of the most common Influenza A strains that infects pigs

WHAT IS 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA?

An influenza A strain that has developed the ability of transmission among humans

It is causing an outbreak of a novel contagious flu

May have originated from a combination of swine flu viruses formed via a mutation

Contact with pigs is not associated with ongoing transmission in the 2009 outbreak

Primary mode of transmission in this outbreak is still under investigation

HOW DO VIRUSES MUTATE?

Viruses mutate naturally, as a survival mechanism

Since viruses are genetically simple, the mutation process is easier

Mutation process that may have occurred with H1N1:

A host (person or pig) is infected with both a common human flu strain and a virulent swine flu strain

Viruses combine and mutate in the lung of host

A new virus is created that can pass from human to human

HAS 2009 H1N1 SPREAD TO HUMANS?

Yes, H1N1 infections are being observed in humans in several countries around the world

In the past, human infections primarily have involved close contact between people and sick pigs

However, contact with pigs or pork meat is not associated with 2009 outbreak

Once people are infected, person-to-person transmission can occur

WHAT IS A PANDEMIC?

An epidemic that occurs on a global scale when there is no immunity to a new virus

Influenza pandemics are rare but recurring; occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968

Pandemic does not define mortality, only geography

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF H1N1 INFECTION?

Typical of seasonal influenza, including fever (usually high), headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat and chills

Some reported diarrhea and vomiting

In rare cases, the disease can progress to pneumonia and respiratory failure, leading to death

HOW CAN H1N1 INFLUENZA BE CONTROLLED?

Seasonal influenza vaccine not likely to protect humans from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus

Antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu™) and zanamivir can lessen the symptoms of this virus

Follow precautions for seasonal influenza to control spread of disease: