H1N1 Virus

Commonly referred to as “Swine Flu,” H1N1 is an influenza or “flu” virus. The H1N1 virus is actually only spread by humans to humans. It is not spread by our curly-tailed animal friends, so you won’t get it by eating pork.

This virus is considered a new, particularly virulent type of flu. First detected in the United States in April 2009, the H1N1 virus causes mild to severe illness in people who contract it. Most people who become ill from H1N1 do not need to be hospitalized, and recover after 7 to 14 days. However, the virus has been known to cause severe illness, including death, in some people.

Like many flu viruses, the H1N1 virus causes respiratory illness, with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, body aches, and high fever. The reason this virus is dangerous is because it is new — few, if any, people have built up an immunity to it. Because of this, the H1N1 virus is more likely to cause widespread infection and illness than previous, long-existing flu viruses.

Without medical attention, you will likely not be able to tell the difference between H1N1 symptoms and the more common flu strains you may have encountered in the past. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially if accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, seek medical attention from your primary care physician immediately.

Delaying treatment has been cited as a major contributing factor to those who experience severe symptoms or death.

For comprehensive information about the H1N1 virus, please visit the MyClyns H1N1 Flu Center.