Pandemic Response

Posts Tagged ‘H1N1’

H1N1 influenza, otherwise called both the swine flu or pig flu, has caused a significant scare in the worlds population. The H1N1 flu began in Mexico and flipped the planet upside down. How did this happen?

As you would speculate, it did at first begin in pigs. Humans who get the H1N1 flu report respiratory infections, being very listless and having no appetite. These will be the identical symptoms that were originally observed in the contaminated pigs.

Where it Began

Although the H1N1 flu just became famous in 2009, that was not the first time that it was a problem. Mexico has had earlier problems with this potentially serious illness. In fact, in 1930, veterinarians as well as pork producers acknowledged that there was an infection seen in pigs around the globe. The infection was not just noticed in one region or climate as expected. Back then, individuals were only afflicted with the illness if they came in direct contact with the pigs who were contaminated.

Later, in 1976, the initial severe outbreak happened at Fort Dix. They were in a position to generate a vaccine, but it appeared to result in more difficulties than it solved. Side effects are still a small issue.

Do You Have The H1N1 Flu?

Unfortunately, the H1N1 flu has signs and symptoms that are really the same as the same flu everyone gets a few times a year. You can’t be tested for H1N1 every time you get the flu and that means you will need to determine it yourself. Common signs and symptoms include fever, nasal secretions, cough, fatigue and headache.

Only a doctor can determine what sort of flu you have. Your doctor will have to do a nasal swab in order to find out the form of flu that you have. You just have the identical flu you get every year if your test comes back showing influenza B. However, if it shows influenza A, you may need more testing.

H1N1 Vaccination

The H1N1 flu is unpredictable and could be dangerous. Because of this, it is very important to do whatever you can to avoid getting it. There is a vaccine available and although it does not absolutely guarantee that you will never wind up with the virus it does lower your risk substantially. The H1N1 flu has the capability to change and mutate. What this means is that for as long as your doctor is concerned about the H1N1 flu, you’ll need to get the vaccination.

Click on Flu Prevention for more helpful information. Want to know more? Simply go to Side Effects of the Flu Shot