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H1N1

 

From the Doctor's Desk

 

H1N1 VIRUS

Influenza A (H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza(flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).

Influenza A virus strains are categorized according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). All influenza A viruses contain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, but the structures of these proteins differ from strain to strain, due to rapid genetic mutation in the viral genome. Influenza A virus strains are assigned an H number and an N number based on which forms of these two proteins the strain contains. There are 16 H and 9 N subtypes known in birds, but only H 1, 2 and 3, and N 1 and 2 are commonly found in humans

In the 2009 flu pandemic, the virus isolated from patients in the United States was found to be made up of genetic elements from four different flu viruses – North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza, and swine influenza virus typically found in Asia and Europe – "an unusually mongrelised mix of genetic sequences." This new strain appears to be a result of reassortment of human influenza and swine influenza viruses, in all four different strains of subtype H1N1.

The six genes from American swine flu are themselves mixtures of swine flu, bird flu, and human flu viruses. While viruses with this genetic makeup had not previously been found to be circulating in humans or pigs, there is no formal national surveillance system to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs in the U.S.

In 2009 outbreak a nos. of patients developed complications like diarrhea and vomiting (leading to dehydration& electrolyte imbalance). The most common cause of death is respiratory failure, other causes of death are pneumonia (leading to sepsis), high fever (leading to neurological problems), Fatalities are more likely in young children and the elderly.

Symptoms of H1N1 Flu

It is important to watch for any signs that your child doesn’t feel well and to pay attention to any unusual behavior. Although the symptoms for all flu are similar, infants could have a fever or be lethargic, but may not have a cough or other respiratory symptoms.

Seasonal Flu

H1N1 Flu

All types of flu can cause:

·            Fever

·            Coughing and/or sore throat

·            Runny or stuffy nose

·            Headaches and/or body aches

·            Chills

·            Fatigue

Same as seasonal flu, but symptoms may be more severe.

·            Fever

·            Coughing and/or sore throat

·            Runny or stuffy nose

·            Headaches and/or body aches

·            Chills

·            Fatigue

There may be additional symptoms. A number of H1N1 flu cases reported:

·            Vomiting

·            Diarrhea

 

Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

  • 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, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
  • Social distancing -The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days.

 

 

 

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