The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the influenza virus referred to as swine flu was first detected in people in the United States in 2009. Swine flu is clinically known by the name H1N1 and reportedly spreads in a similar manner as regular seasonal influenza viruses. In mid-2009, the H1N1 flu was declared a pandemic--a worldwide outbreak--by the World Health Organization.
H1N1 Versus Swine Flu
The H1N1 virus in humans slightly differs from the virus found in pigs. The term swine flu originated before laboratory testing confirmed that the version in humans differs by a few genetic markers. Swine flu in pigs is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza virus, which is commonly found in pigs. Humans can catch the pig version of the virus when they come in direct contact with pigs. However, the pig virus does not normally infect humans. According to the CDC, from 2005 to 2009, only 12 cases of pig swine flu in humans were reported.
Disease Spread
The H1N1 virus is passed from person to person in a similar manner as seasonal influenza. Human exposure to the virus from coughing, sneezing or by speaking to others with the flu may spread the disease. Touching an infected surface, then touching your mouth or nose may also lead to contraction of the virus. The CDC indicates that contraction of the virus once generally keeps people from contracting the virus again in the same season. However, people with compromised immune systems may become infected again from the same strain.
Pregnancy and H1N1
Women who are pregnant are at increased risk for contracting the virus. Serious health complications occur in pregnant women with H1N1, including potential early labor, severe pneumonia or death. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women obtain the H1N1 vaccine.
Symptoms
People infected with the virus display symptoms much like the common cold. Fever, cough and congestion may occur after contraction of the virus. Body aches, headaches and fatigue are also common symptoms of this flu. In rare cases, vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory symptoms accompany the virus.
Risk Pool
The CDC reports that people older than 65, children younger than 5 and pregnant women are at highest risk for complications associated with H1N1. Although anyone exposed to the virus can contract the flu, the high-risk group often requires hospitalization for complications due to compromised immune systems and additional medical disorders the occur with the virus.
Contagiousness
Infection from others may occur from day one of contracting the illness to day seven. People with weakened immune systems may contract or spread the virus for a longer time frame. Even if symptoms appear to diminish in infected people, the virus may remain contagious during the window of time prior to the seventh day after contraction.
Vaccine
According to the CDC, the H1N1 vaccine prevents and protects against the illness. The vaccine is not a live virus. It is inactivated and given as a shot in the arm. The nasal-spray vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and only recommended for healthy people who are not pregnant.The H1N1 vaccine does not protect against different strains of seasonal influenza.
