H1N1 (Swine Flu) Overview

“The virus is now unstoppable.”

Dr. Margret Chan, Director, World Health Organization

“P” is for Pandemic

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) was underway.  The word pandemic indicates an epidemic that is geographically widespread; occurring throughout a region or even throughout the world.  This means that the “Swine Flu” may be making an appearance in your neighborhood sometime soon.  The best thing you can do is arm yourself with relevant information that will help you to take steps toward avoiding exposure to the virus, recognize H1N1 flu symptoms, and knowing how to react if you or a loved one becomes ill.

What is H1N1 “Swine Flu”?

2009 H1N1 “Swine Flu” is a new influenza virus that is causing people worldwide to become ill.  It is composed of two genes from flu viruses that are typically found in pigs in Asia and Europe, bird (avian) genes and human genes.  This is referred to as a “quadruple reassortant” virus.  It was labeled “Swine Flu” early in 2009 because of the similarity of the virus to influenza viruses normally found in North American pigs (swine).

H1N1 Virus

H1N1 Virus

How severe are the symptoms?

H1N1 flu symptoms vary in severity from mild to severe.  Most people recover without the need for medical treatment.  However, hospitalizations and deaths from this virus have occurred.

Just as with the seasonal flu, certain groups of people have a higher risk of serious complications from H1N1 flu.  These groups are as follows:

High Risk Groups

  • People 65 and older
  • Children under 5 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • People with chronic medical conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1/3 of people over the age of 60 may have antibodies against the H1N1 virus.  The CDC also states “It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody”.  It is believed that no children and very few adults under the age of 60 have antibodies against the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

Is H1N1 contagious?

Much like the regular seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu virus is indeed contagious and is spreading from person to person.

How is it spread?

H1N1 flu spreads similarly to seasonal influenza.  Some methods by which the virus spreads include:

  • Through touch:  A person who is infected with H1N1 coughs or sneezes and droplets containing the virus move through the air and land of the surface of objects (a computer keyboard, a desk, a table, a doorknob, etc.).  An uninfected person then touches the respiratory droplets on that surface and then touches their nose, mouth or eyes without washing their hands.
  • Directly:  A person who is infected with H1N1 coughs or sneezes and respiratory droplets travel through the air.

How long is the H1N1 flu virus able to remain viable on objects?

Studies indicate H1N1 flu virus, as well as regular seasonal flu viruses, are able to survive on surfaces and can infect people for 2 to 8 hours after depositing on the surface.

What can I use to kill the H1N1 virus on objects?

There are several products that can be used to kill H1N1 and other viruses.  It’s important to use the proper concentrations for the proper length of time.

I’ve already had H1N1 “Swine Flu”, can I get it again?

Healthy people infected with any flu virus will usually develop an immune resistance to the virus making it unlikely that a person will be infected more than once.  It is, however, possible that those with weakened immune systems may not develop a full immune resistance and may be more likely to become ill with the same flu more than once.

What is the difference between H1N1 flu and regular seasonal flu?

Seasonal Influenza:  Those most vulnerable to seasonal influenza include young children, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions such as asthma or other respiratory conditions, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

Novel H1N1 Pandemic Flu:  Unlike the seasonal flu, epidemiologists believe that some people over the age of 60 may have some existing resistance to the novel H1N1 virus.  Those most vulnerable to H1N1 pandemic flu appear to be young children, young adults, and those with certain health conditions such as asthma or other respiratory conditions, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

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