by Viknesh

Created on: May 09, 2009

Commonly referred to as swine flu, the proper name of this highly contagious respiratory disease is influenza A (H1N1). [Influenza A viruses are classified according to two proteins on the outer surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).] H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis. However, this latest form of the virus is different in that it contains genetic material typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine.

Thought to have originated in Mexico, the virus has affected countries worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that as of 8 May 2009, 25 countries have reported 2500 cases of swine flu. Mexico alone has reported 1204 laboratory confirmed human cases, including 44 deaths. The United States has reported 896 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths. Undoubtedly, many people have been affected by this illness.

Previously, there was uncertainty about how the virus spreads. However, the WHO now states that people can be infected by human-to-human transmission. This can occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes and another person breathes in the contaminated air, containing the infected droplets. It is also possible to become infected by touching areas containing the flu virus and subsequently, touching either the mouth or the nose. Hence, to help curb the spread of infection, mouths and noses should be covered with a tissue when coughing, and hands should be washed regularly. It must be noted that there has been no confirmed transmission between pigs and humans as of yet.

Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to that of regular flu. These include fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose. There might also be diarrhea and vomiting. The virus may also increase the severity of existing medical conditions. Though one might be inclined to dismiss such symptoms as being mild and commonplace, it is worth noting that seasonal flu kills 250,000 - 500,000 people around the world each year.

Scientists who have analyzed the virus suggest that it is a fairly mild strain and not as dangerous as the H5N1 avian flu strain. They believe that the virus would have to mutate further in order to cause the mass deaths that some have estimated. However, it might be too early to state with certainty that this strain of the flu virus is mild as it cannot be accurately predicted how the virus might mutate and evolve in the future. As such, the WHO has repeatedly stressed that swine flu could potentially trigger a global pandemic. Experts around the world say that the world is closer to a flu pandemic than at any point since 1968. Even though the virus is susceptible to current treatments, there is no vaccine yet.

Thus, in light of all this information, it would be better to err on the side of caution and practice proper hygiene in order to help curb the spread of this potentially pandemic disease.

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