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Swine Flu

7

The Virus (1/8)

In March 2009, a respiratory illness sickened 60 percent of the population of a town in Mexico. The reason for the outbreak was later identified as an entirely new strain of influenza A virus, subtype H1N1.

It was quickly discovered that the virus was contagious and that it spread easily from one person to another, and from one country to another. The origin of this new strain is unknown. (Photo: Center for Disease Control)

The “Swine Flu” (2/8)

Although the H1N1 virus has never been detected in pigs or humans before, it is also called “swine flu”, or more correctly “swine influenza A/H1N1”.

It is a genetic mixture of viruses closely related to swine influenza that normally affect pigs, birds, and people. (Photo: Reuters)

Transmission (3/8)

H1N1 spreads from person to person just like a normal flu: Through tiny airborne droplets spread by coughs and sneezes, and by touching infected objects and then touching your mouth or nose. In the 2009 flu pandemic, most cases were discovered in people under the age of 25.

Transmission of the swine influenza virus from pigs to humans, however, is not common and does not necessarily cause human influenza. Eating meat (properly cooked) of a pig infected with swine influenza poses no risk. (Photo: Reuters)

The Symptoms (4/8)

A doctor checks on a child suspected of having H1N1 flu. One to four days after infection, a wide range of flu-like symptoms appear, such as a sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

Some people have also reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the worst cases, severe illness and life-threatening pneumonia can occur. Most people, however, have recovered without antiviral treatment. (Photo: Reuters)

Vaccine (5/8)

Technicians work with eggs in the inoculation area during production of a vaccine for the H1N1 flu virus. Normally, a vaccine is one of the best ways to protect against disease. Other measures include social distancing, and rigorous personal hygiene.

Seasonal influenza vaccines seem to offer little or no protection against the new strain and there is no effective vaccine for H1N1 on the market yet. The Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis said it produced a first batch of vaccines in mid-June 2009, which then went into pre-clinical testing and evaluation. (Photo: Reuters)

Treatment (6/8)

To ease their symptoms, infected people are advised to drink lots of fluids, rest, and to avoid contact with other people. Over-the-counter drugs may relieve symptoms, but won’t kill the virus.

For severe illness, physicians may prescribe antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) to keep the virus from reproducing in the body and make the patient feel better faster. (Photo: Reuters)

What you can do (7/8)

The best precaution is to stay informed and take some steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands regularly with soap, especially after you cough or sneeze, and avoid touching your mouth and nose, as the germs spread that way. (Photo: Reuters)

Situation today (8/8)

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. Phase 6 means that the virus caused sustained community level outbreaks and a widespread human infection.

According to the WHO, more than 70,000 cases, including 311 deaths have been reported in more than 70 countries as of June 29, 2009. The U.S. was affected the most with almost 28,000 cases and 127 deaths. (Photo: Reuters)

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