Posted: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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Category:
Health
Swine Flu or H1N1
1) What is 2009 H1N1 influenza?
2009 H1N1 influenza (also called Swine Flu) is caused by a new stain of virus. It has been spread into many countires. Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with virus.
Signs of 2009 H1N1 can include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore Throat
- Muscle Aches
- Chills
- Coughing
- Sneezing
Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Most people feel better within a week. But some people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Some people have to go to hospital, get admit in hospital and some die.
2) How is 2009 H1N1 different from other regular flu?
Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other. People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up ability to fight off the viruses).
The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new flu virus. It is very different from seasonal flu viruses. Most peopl have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 flu (their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus).
3) 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine.
Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza.
- These vaccine are made just like seasonal flu vaccines.
- They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines.
- They will not prevent "influenza-like" illnesses caused by other viruses.
- They will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want to be protected against seasonal flu.
Inactivated vaccine (vaccine that has killed virus in it) is injected into the muscle, like the annual flu shot. This article describe the inacticated vaccine.
A live, intranasal vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine) is also available. You need to talk to your doctor.
Some inactivated 2009 H1N1 Vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal to keep it free from germs. Some people have suggested that thimerosal might be related to autism. In 2004 a group of experts at the Institute of Medicine reviewed many studies looking into this theory, and found no association between thimerosal and autism. Additional studies since then reached the same conclusion.
