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What is H1N1? H1N1 is a new influenza virus that was first detected in mid-April 2009. Although the virus has just been recently discovered, it has rapidly spread over a relatively short period of time and is now a worldwide threat. The virus is popularly known as the “swine flu” because original laboratory testing illustrated that it was similar to viruses that infected pigs, or swine, in the United States. Now, studies have shown that the virus is quite different, and that it originates in pigs in both Asia and Europe and also bird and human genes. Scientists now refer to it as a “quadruple reassortant” virus. The majority of people who contract the virus have mild cases, with 98 percent experiencing a fever and fever-like symptoms. On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that H1N1 was a pandemic. The virus is being studied by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) because of the existing concern regarding how quickly the virus spreads. The CDC is researching the idea that if, when and how H1N1 may mutate into a more virulent form, and measures to prevent this from happening are being taken as it could cause a far-reaching devastation of the population. How Does Someone Get H1N1? The H1N1 virus is very contagious, and it can spread easily from person to person, the same way a regular, seasonal flu can spread. Coming into contact with germs from an infected person who is coughing and sneezing is the main means of getting the virus. People can also get sick by touching an object that has germs and then touching their nose and/or mouth afterwards without washing their hands. Infected people are able to transmit the virus to other people from the first day they get sick and up to 7 days afterwards. Depending on the immune system of the person, this stretch can last much longer. People with normal immune systems that get infected with H1N1 were thought to have been immune after the first exposure. However, new studies from the CDC show that because of the virus’ ability to mutate, the same person can become infected again with a new form or version of the virus. Predictably, for those with a weakened immune system, it is possible for the virus to show up more than once, mutated or not. People can also test positive for a flu infection more than once during an influenza season, and here is why:
What are the Symptoms of H1N1? The following are the major symptoms associated with H1N1:
Also some people that are infected with H1N1 can have respiratory problems without a fever or fever symptoms. So, it is important to understand all symptoms and also all situations that can be ruled as asymptomatic. The reason that the WHO labeled the H1N1 a pandemic is because of the extreme illnesses and deaths that the virus has caused along with its ease for rapid mutation. Although some of the cases have been mild, many are severe, and usually the majority of those who were sick have been able to recover without seeking any medical treatment. Some, unfortunately, have been hospitalized from the virus and deaths have also occurred. In most of these cases, people with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems are the ones most affected. This includes people that are over the age of 65, children younger than five, women who are pregnant and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease. The ones that are included in this “high risk” category should be extra careful and take all the preventative measures to keep from getting infected and becoming sick. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), laboratory studies show that one third of people over the age of 60 could have antibodies that protect them against the virus. It shows that few adults under the age of 60, and no children have the antibody. However, it is still unknown how much the antibody protects against the H1N1. What is the Difference between the Flu and H1N1? The seasonal flu can be different with regard to the length, timing, and severity. With the flu, illness can vary from mild to severe and can even cause death. In the United States, 36,000 people die from the flu or flu related complications. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu; 20,000 of those hospitalized are children under the age of 5. People that are over the age of 65 are responsible for over 90 percent of flu-related deaths each year. As for the H1N1, since its first detection in April 2009, the CDC starting collecting and analyzing data about the outbreak, trying to solidify the number of cases and what the ages were of people that were infected. Upon evaluating their findings, the CDC found that the virus affected those under the age of 25 more than older people. Currently, the deaths in people over the age of 65 are very few, which is a large contrast with the seasonal flu, where 90 percent of deaths are in this age bracket. Treatment Options for H1N1 People can take the seasonal flu vaccine and also the H1N1 vaccine to help reduce the incidence of individuals becoming infected with the H1N1 virus. The vaccines do not cause individuals to become infected with the flu. There are side effects that can occur with receiving the vaccine injections but most of them are mild which include local irritation or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, chills, abdominal pain and nausea. More severe reactions can occur though they are extremely rare and can include swelling of the mouth and throat leading to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. The vaccine is contraindicated in patients who have had previous allergic reaction to flu shots in the past, allergy to eggs, or have had the diagnoses of Guillan-Barre in the past. If patients are currently ill when they present for the vaccine, they should consider waiting until their symptoms have improved. The H1N1 vaccine has been available since early to mid-October though it is still not readily available at the current time. The government has promised over the next several weeks that it will be able to meet the demand for the vaccine. Many local clinics, Physician offices, schools, places of work, health departments, and pharmacies will carry the vaccines and you can get them at any time, although you will likely want to get both of them as soon as possible. Many companies advertise their shots, so pay close attention to the facility closest to you. The most important thing to remember are the everyday things that people can do to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses:
If you find that you have the H1N1 virus (swine flu), here are some treatment procedures to follow:
If you experience the following symptoms, seek medical care (your personal Physician or hospital) as soon as possible:
"We at the Women's Centers are now offering the H1N1 Vaccine to all males and females from ages 3 to 64 who meet the appropriate criteria. To help you, friends and family decide if this immunization is appropriate, additional information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html Please call the nearest location to inquire about dates and appointment times for our vaccination services. Have a Question? Dr. Pendergraft is available to answer your sexual health related question by
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