Swine 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 dangerous for people who have certain medical conditions including pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or kidney disease. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to lower your own risk for contracting swine flu.
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
H1N1, or swine flu, is a strain of the influenza virus that was originally limited to pigs, and first detected in people in 2009. It is not considered particularly harmful in people with healthy immune systems; in people with compromised immune systems, H1N1 can cause bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis or sinus infections.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersMost people who have H1N1 flu recover without special treatment or medical care. Children who are younger than 5, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with asthma, neurological conditions, chronic lung conditions, heart disease, and blood disorders have a higher risk of developing complications with any type of flu, and should talk with a doctor about treatment options. If you have H1N1 or any strain of flu, stay home and avoid contact with other people.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 3 AnswersIf you have H1N1 flu, or any other type of influenza, you are contagious for five to seven days after your symptoms first started. You are also contagious one day before you feel symptoms.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersTo diagnose H1N1, a respiratory specimen is taken from an infected person and the sample is then tested in a laboratory. To get a specimen, a doctor or nurse will swab your throat and/or nose.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 3 AnswersFlu 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. One study found that taking vitamin E and exercising, which boost the immune system, also seemed to improve the overall effectiveness of the vaccine. -
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Greenville Health System answeredH1N1 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 pigs (swine) in North America. Further study showed that H1N1 is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThere are several differences between the H1N1 flu and seasonal flu. H1N1, or swine flu, is most likely to afflict people under age 25, while seasonal flu occurs most often in people 65 and older. Both types of flu cause similar symptoms, including fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. In addition, the H1N1 virus may cause vomiting and diarrhea.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredNote: A CDC panel concluded in 2016 that FluMist has not been effective in recent years. The panel did not recommend its use for the 2016-2017 flu season.
If your child is older than 2 years, you can give him the nasal-spray flu vaccine, known as FluMist, which provides the same protection as the seasonal flu shot. One caveat: Children under 5 with a history of wheezing, and kids with asthma, diabetes or any condition that weakens the immune system should not get the nasal spray vaccine. In addition, kids who are taking aspirin shouldn't get FluMist. -
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 3 AnswersThere'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 virus, and the influenza A virus.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 2 AnswersIt's safe to get a flu shot if you've had swine flu in the past. Contracting swine flu provides you with some immunity to the swine flu virus, but it won't protect you against seasonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot each year.