Background :
Background 2009 H1N1 was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.
Originally referred to as “swine flu”, testing showed many genes were similar to the flu normally found in pigs in North America.
Further study has shown that this new virus is very different from swine flu as it has:
two genes from swine flu viruses normally found in Europe and Asia
bird (avian) genes
human genes
Studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.
For more detailed information on the H1N1 virus, please visit:
CDC’s H1N1 Flu and You
H1N1 vs. Seasonal Flu :
H1N1 vs. Seasonal Flu How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
The seasonal flu season varies in terms of timing, duration and severity
H1N1 does not have a season.
Each year in the U.S. an average of 36,000 people die from flu-related complications.
Thus far, about four thousand have died from H1N1 related complications.
Of those hospitalized by seasonal flu, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old.
Thus far, 36,220 children 17 years and younger have been hospitalized from H1N1 infections.
High risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza are also associated with increased complications from 2009 H1N1.
Symptoms :
Symptoms The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu.
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body.
More information on symptoms and illness from H1N1 may be found at:
Flu.gov’s Initial Symptoms of H1N1
Flu.gov’s H1N1 Self Evaluation
Warning Signs :
Warning Signs Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
If you exhibit any of these warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
More information on symptoms and illness from H1N1 may be found at:
Flu.gov’s Initial Symptoms of H1N1
Flu.gov’s H1N1 Self Evaluation
Spread :
Spread Human-to-human spread of H1N1 flu occurs in the same way as seasonal flu, through coughing or sneezing by infected people.
Flu viruses spread when a person touches an infected surface and then their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.
You may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.
Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days.
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
The following offer further information on the spread of H1N1:
Flu.gov’s 5 Things to Prevent Spread
Facts & Figures :
Facts & Figures The largest number of cases of 2009 H1N1 flu have been in people between the ages of 5 and 24-years-old.
CDC estimates about 21.5 million cases of 2009 H1N1 occurred between April and October 17, 2009.
8,280,091 cases were youth between 0 and 17-years-old.
CDC estimates about 97.5 thousand cases of 2009 H1N1-related hospitalizations occurred between April and October 17, 2009.
36,220 cases were youth between 0 and 17-years-old.
CDC estimates about four thousand 2009 H1N1-related deaths occurred between April and October 17, 2009.
2,919 were people between 18 and 64-years-old.
More detailed information on the affect of H1N1 may be found at:
CDC’s 2009 H1N1 Estimates
CDC H1N1 Data (pdf)