The novel H1N1 flu commonly known as the swine flu is a new strain of influenzavirus A subtype H1N1 which emerged in Mexico in April 2009. It contains a combination of genes from human, swine and avian influenza virus and spreads very easily and quickly. The WHO (World Health Organization) declared the swine flu a global pandemic in June 2009.

The symptoms of the swine flu are virtually the same to those in seasonal flu, while people at higher risk of serious complications are preschool children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. However, many severe cases also occurred in previously healthy individuals which is the main reason why the novel H1N1 flu virus has drawn such enormous attention and concerns all over the world. Fortunately, such cases were rare and so far the majority of infected people recovered.

Swine flu is transmitted like other flu viruses which means through saliva and nasal secretions of an infected person either directly or indirectly via aerosols through sneezing, coughing and talking. The novel H1N1 virus can also enter your body by picking up germs from contaminated surfaces or objects such door handle and then transferring them to your eyes, nose or mouth. For that reason it is highly important to avoid close contacts with a person showing symptoms of a flu infection and washing hands throughly and frequently.

Like other types of flu, swine flu does not foresee any treatment other than symptom relief. People at-risk groups are commonly treated with antivirals (oseltamivir or zanamivir) which help to relieve the severity and duration of the symptoms.

Related posts:

1. Symptoms of Swine Flu – Sign and symptoms of novel H1N1 flu
2. Swine Flu Vaccines – Safety and efficacy of the vaccines against the novel H1N1 flu virus
3. Types of Flu – Stains (types) of influenzaviruses
4. About Flu – FAQ’s about flu
5. Flu Prevention – Useful tips how to prevent getting flu
6. Stomach Flu – FAQ’s about stomach flu
7. Common Cold Causes – Causes and transmission of common cold
8. Flu Remedies – Self-care measures and remedies for relieving flu symptoms

This entry was posted on Friday, December 25th, 2009 at 10:56 am and is filed under Flu. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.