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... More
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. Less
Recently Answered
- Q How effective is the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 vaccine?
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Flu shots are about 70 percent effective at preventing the flu in populations under sixty-five years of age, and somewhat less effective in people over sixty-five. The shots also reduce the severity of the symptoms in people who actually do get the flu.... More
The 2011-2012 seasonal flu vaccine protects against three flu influenza viruses, including H1N1. There is not a separate vaccine for H1N1. The effectiveness of flu vaccine varies from season to season. How well the vaccine works depends on the... More
The seasonal flu shot protects against certain viruses. The H1N1 vaccine protects against the H1N1 virus. You could still be susceptible to a different viral strain not covered by these vaccines. Remember, the predominant seasonal flu virus currently is... More
- Q Does getting the H1N1 vaccine cause the virus to mutate?
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No, that does not occur. A recent study done in the Ukraine by the World Health Organization states that the virus has shown no mutation at this time. More
- Q Once I have recovered from the flu or H1N1, will I get it again?
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It is possible to come down with the flu (influenza) more than once. Your body's immune system will be able to fight off the strain of flu virus that made you sick the first time. However, the flu virus can change its structure and create new... More
You are less susceptible. This is because your immune system has begun to develop antibodies against that particular virus. The goal of administering the vaccine is to turn on your immune system in a similar way to produce these protective antibodies. More
- Q Is swine flu more prevalent in colder parts of the country or world?
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Climate conditions can contribute to allergies and respiratory illness. However, the H1N1 virus does not prefer one climate over another. More
- Q How do I know that the H1N1 vaccine is safe to be received?
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The National Institutes of Health has conducted the initial patient studies on the first doses of H1N1 vaccine to be released. Based on those study results, the NIH approved the release of the H1N1 vaccine. Also keep in mind this was approved by the FDA... More
- Q Can I get sick after receiving a seasonal flu shot or H1N1 vaccine?
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The seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine are one and the same any year that the H1N1 virus is circulating -- and neither shot can make you sick. The flu shot vaccine is made from flu virus that has been killed, which means that it cannot infect... More
There are two formulations of each of the flu vaccines. The injectable version does not contain any live virus and will not cause illness. The intranasal form of the vaccine contains live attenuated virus, which means it has been neutered, but not... More
