Swine Flu Type A (H1N1) - What Is It? Symptoms And Prevention Tips
It is the year 2009 and we have a very possible pandemic on our hands. This one we call the swine flu, specifically influenza type A (H1N1) virus strain.
Number Of Cases So Far (Updated April 30, 2009)
So far, these are the number of laboratory confirmed cases worldwide.
- United States - 109 cases, 1 death
- Mexico - 97 cases, 7 deaths
- Austria - 1 case, 0 deaths
- Canada - 19 cases, 0 deaths
- Germany - 3 cases, 0 deaths
- Israel - 2 cases, 0 deaths
- Netherlands - 1 case, 0 deaths
- New Zealand - 3 cases, 0 deaths
- United Kingdom - 8 cases, 0 deaths
- Spain - 13 cases, 0 deaths
- Switzerland - 1 case, 0 deaths
Here is the breakdown of the 109 cases in the United States.
- Arizona - 1 case, 0 deaths
- California - 14 cases, 0 deaths
- Indiana - 1 case, 0 deaths
- Kansas - 2 cases, 0 deaths
- Massachusetts - 2 cases, 0 deaths
- Michigan - 1 case, 0 deaths
- Nevada - 1 case, 0 deaths
- New York City - 50 cases, 0 deaths
- Ohio - 1 case, 0 deaths
- South Carolina - 10 cases, 0 deaths
- Texas - 26 cases, 1 death
Stay updated with: CDC and WHO.
What Exactly Is The Swine Flu?
There's an outgoing debate on the proper name of this strain. Calling it the swine flu has angered several groups. It is now being officially called Influenza A (H1N1).
It became known as the swine flu because it is believed that the first case was transmitted to a human via a sick pig. It is not however a pig flu. It is a combination of pig, avian, and human flu all mixed together making for a brand new strain of influenza.
Regardless of what to call it. The one thing that has doctors worried is that this is a completely new virus strain. No one knows which direction it could take. It is currently responding to oseltamivir and zanamivir, both prescription antiviral drugs. But no one can say whether or not it will mutate and become drug resistant.
Swine Flu Type A (H1N1) Symptoms
It is a variation of the influenza virus, so you will have the same symptoms as the flu. This is not to say that you should get worried at the first sign of flu-like symptoms. You may very well have caught a seasonal flu and not this new strain.
How Is It Transmitted?
Swine flu is contagious. It is these that cause epidemics and pandemics. Just like the flu, it is passed from human to human by casual contact and air-borne pathogens. It is not, however, transmitted by eating pork. And yes, you can catch it from a sick pig.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
You should take these preventive actions every day.
- Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw away the tissue afterwards.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds frequently. Plain soap works the best.
- Don't touch your face without first making sure your hands are washed anc cleaned.
- Stay away from crowds and sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with other people.
- Avoid unnecessary travel to Mexico.
- Wear a mask of type N95 or better if you will be around sick people or large crowds.
- If you have the option, you might want to consider working from home.