The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in the United States in April 2009. The World Health Organization announced it considered the H1N1 virus a worldwide pandemic in June 2009. H1N1 is often referred to as the swine flu since it is believed to have originated in pigs. It is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness and even death.
High Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people at the highest risk of contracting the H1N1 virus are young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. These are also the groups at greatest risk of dying from the H1N1 virus.
Respiratory Distress
According to flu.gov, one of the major symptoms of the H1N1 virus is respiratory distress. The strong immune response to the H1N1 virus results in intense coughing, nasal secretions and labored breathing. Those with severe cases of the H1N1 virus require the help of a ventilator to breathe.
Digestive Distress
The World Health Organization reports that much of the danger of the H1N1 virus comes from the digestive distress it causes. Infected people lose their appetite, feel nauseous, vomit and get diarrhea. If left untreated, the patient will become rapidly dehydrated and lose weight. This can further compromise an already weakened immune system.
Pain
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people infected with the H1N1 virus can experience pain throughout the body. Most commonly they experience an intense headache that makes it difficult to concentrate, but they can also have body aches.
Lack of Energy
According to flu.gov, people infected with the H1N1 virus notice a significant reduction in energy. In many cases, this is so severe that the person has difficulty standing up.
Fever
According to the World Health Organization, those infected with the H1N1 virus will have a high fever as a result of the body's fight against the infection, usually 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of the H1N1 virus are similar to those of other types of flu. For this reason, it is easy to confuse it with seasonal flu. The only way to accurately diagnose the H1N1 virus is to perform a blood test.
Vaccine
There is a 2009 H1N1 virus vaccine. It is available in both the shot and the nasal mist form. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2009 H1N1 virus vaccine is safe and effective.
