H1N1
By
FATIN NOOR FARAHEIM
NORSAAKELLA
What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
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This is a new influenza A(H1N1) virus that has never
before circulated among humans. This virus is not
related to previous or current human seasonal
influenza viruses.
The place of origin of the virus is unknown. It is
unknown strain, which is a mix of swine, avian and
human flu strains.
The new influenza A(H1N1) appears to be as
contagious as seasonal influenza, and is spreading fast
particularly among young people (from ages 10 to 45).
The severity of the disease ranges from very mild
symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death.
The majority of people who contract the virus
experience the milder disease and recover without
antiviral treatment or medical care.
Of the more serious cases, more than half of
hospitalized people had underlying health conditions
or weak immune systems.
Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called
“swine flu”?
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This new virus were very
similar to influenza viruses
that normally occur in pigs
(swine) in North America.
But further study has
shown that this new virus
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)
genes and human genes.
Scientists call this a
"quadruple reassortant"
virus.
Chronology~2009
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April 28- first case in Mexico
April -first case in United States
May 15- first case in Malaysia
May 16- first case in Turkey
May 25- first case in Dubai and Czech
Republic
May 27- Singapore
November 22- worldwide more than 207
countries and overseas territories or
communities confirmed cases of pandemic
influenza H1N1 2009,~over 7820 deaths.
How do people become infected with the
virus?
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The virus is spread from person-to-person.
It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal
flu.
It can be passed to other people by exposure to
infected droplets expelled by coughing or
sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can
contaminate hands or surfaces.
There are no known instances of people getting
infected by exposure to pigs or other animals.
H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in
people younger than 25 years of age than older
people. At this time, there are relatively fewer
cases and deaths reported in people 65 years and
older.
The signs and symptoms
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Signs of influenza A(H1N1) are :
• Flu-like
• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sore throat and runny nose
• Sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea.
“emergency warning signs”
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In children:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse
cough
Fever with a rash
In adults:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Diagnosis: Influenza Diagnostic Testing
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The most common are called “Rapid Influenza Diagnostic
Tests”.
These tests can provide results in 30 minutes or less.
Unfortunately, the ability of these tests to detect the flu can
vary greatly- their ability to detect 2009 H1N1 flu can range
from 10% to 70%.
There are several more accurate and sensitive flu tests
available ~ must be performed in specialized laboratories.
All of these tests are performed by a health care provider
using a swab to swipe the inside of your nose or the back of
your throat ~do not require a blood sample.
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One may not be able to find out definitively what
flu virus he had~ rapid influenza diagnostic tests
cannot distinguish between 2009 H1N1 and
seasonal influenza A viruses.
Most people with flu symptoms this season will
not require testing for 2009 H1N1 because the
test results usually do not change how you are
treated. As of September 2009, more than 99%
of circulating influenza viruses in the United
States are 2009 H1N1.
None of the rapid tests currently approved by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are able to
distinguish 2009 H1N1 flu from other flu viruses.
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There are laboratory tests available that can tell
the difference between 2009 H1N1 and other
strains of flu, but these can take one to several
days to provide results.
The most accurate laboratory tests, such as realtime reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
reaction (rRT-PCR) can be done but are only
available in certain laboratories.
It is recommended that this testing be focused
on:
• 1) people who are hospitalized with suspected flu;
• 2) people such as pregnant women or people with
weakened immune systems, for whom a diagnosis of flu
will help their doctor make decisions about their care.
Prevention
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you
use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and
water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread
this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Try to avoid going places with large crowds
 Get vaccinated-Vaccination is the best way to prevent
influenza, whether it’s seasonal flu or H1N1.
Vaccination
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2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine
There are two kinds:
• 2009 H1N1 "flu shot" that is given with a needle,
usually in the arm;
• 2009 H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine given via a nasal
sprayer.
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Target groups :
 pregnant women,
 people who live with or care for children younger than 6
months of age
 healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
 persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
 and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are
at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health
disorders or compromised immune systems.
Treatment
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Antiviral drugs:
Tamiflu® (brand name) or
oseltamivir (generic name) of a
prescription antiviral drug used.
Relenza® (zanamivir) -persons with
a history of asthma or another lung
disease should not be prescribed
zanamivir.
Reference….
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http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_
questions/about_disease/en/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination
_qa_pub.htm
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2009-0503-voa2-68815332.html
http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story2009
0527-144175.html
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/antivirals/quickfacts.htm
http://gamapserver.who.int/h1n1/geographicspread/h1n1_geographic-spread.html