H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Swine flu was originally a very contagious strain of flu that was limited to pigs. The flu virus can change (mutate) and in 2009, it was also seen in humans. This caused a great deal of concern because flu viruses that jump from one species to another are often severe because the new hosts don't have much resistance. It turned out that the new strain was not especially severe, although there is still some concern that it may change again in 2010.
Vaccines originally produced for 2009 did not include the new strain, but a vaccine that did was later produced and is available. As more people become exposed to this strain, it will become less common, as with any flu.
Recently Answered
- Q What pain reliever should I use for my swine flu symptoms?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThe American Academy of Family Physicians recommends ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen to help relieve pain and body aches brought on by swine flu. Full Answer
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- Q What causes swine flu?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyInfluenza viruses that first appear in pigs are often referred to as swine flu. When a strain of swine flu virus swaps genes with human flu viruses, it can infect the human population. The H1N1 virus that got international attention in 2009 was a... Full Answer
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- Q Who is most affected by swine flu?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacySwine flu, or the H1N1 influenza virus, tends to infect people ages 25 and under more often than the rest of the population. In contrast, seasonal flu occurs more often in people ages 65 and older. However, both types of flu may be especially... Full Answer
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- Q Why was the H1N1 virus originally called swine flu?
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H1N1 is a new influenza virus first detected in people in the U.S. in April 2009. It was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes were similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in... Full Answer
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- Q What is the best protection against infuenza?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThe best protection against influenza is the seasonal flu vaccine. Full Answer
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- Q Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyThere's no single vaccine for swine flu, but the seasonal flu shot will keep you covered. It's formulated to protect against the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu, as well as two seasonal strains—the H3N2 virus, which is an influenza B... Full Answer
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- Q Is swine flu life-threatening?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacySwine flu (also called H1N1 flu), like any flu infection, can be life-threatening for people who are in certain high-risk categories. People at high risk for developing complications from the flu include pregnant women, and people who have... Full Answer
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- Q Is swine flu serious?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacySwine flu (also called H1N1 flu) can be serious for people who are in certain high-risk categories. People more likely to develop complications from the flu include pregnant women, and those who have asthma, COPD, heart disease, kidney disease,... Full Answer
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- Q How should I care for someone with swine flu?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyYou should care for someone with the swine flu, which is caused by the H1N1 strain of the influenza virus, just as you would someone with regular flu. Make sure the ill person stays home, drinks plenty of fluids and eats enough. Be on the lookout for... Full Answer
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- Q How does swine flu affect the body?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacySymptoms of swine flu (also called H1N1 flu) include all the symptoms of the seasonal flu: fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue. Sometimes swine flu also causes vomiting and diarrhea. Full Answer
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