H1N1 is the most common type of flu in humans. It is a type of Influenza virus. Some types or strains are natural in humans. Some strains are natural to pigs and birds. H1N1 also known as swine influenza is a very contagious respiratory disease in pigs. The respiratory disease is caused by one of several influenza A viruses.
Influenza is common in pigs as about half of pigs in the United States have been exposed to the virus. The main way that the virus is spread is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. The spread of H1N1 is increased in people who work with poultry and swine. In 2004, the University of Iowa performed a study and documented the transmission of influenza from swine to humans who work with swine. Once a person is infected with the virus it can be spread mainly by coughing or sneezing. The symptoms of H1N1 are wide ranging but include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Additional symptoms that have been reported are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Influenza is common in pigs as about half of pigs in the United States have been exposed to the virus. The main way that the virus is spread is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. The spread of H1N1 is increased in people who work with poultry and swine. In 2004, the University of Iowa performed a study and documented the transmission of influenza from swine to humans who work with swine. Once a person is infected with the virus it can be spread mainly by coughing or sneezing. The symptoms of H1N1 are wide ranging but include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Additional symptoms that have been reported are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
There was great fear during this time that there would be an influenza pandemic. The'76 outbreak of H1N1 led to a national campaign in the United States. This campaign sought to have all people immunized. 40 million people were given the H1N1 vaccine. However, the H1N1 vaccine was linked to Guillain-Barr syndrome after 500 cases had been reported and at least 25 deaths. So, the immunizations were halted. Another outbreak of H1N1 was reported in'77 in the Soviet Union. During this outbreak only people under the age of 23 were affected by the virus. It was believed that a similar strain of the virus had been present from'47-1957 and people who lived during that time had developed an immunity to the virus.
In'98, pigs in four states in the United States were reported to have swine flu. Over the span of a year the virus had spread through the population of pigs throughout the United States. In March and April 2009, H1N1 cases began to be reported in Mexico and the United States. Recently, H1N1 cases in humans have been reported globally. The World Health Organization signaled that a global pandemic was taking place and raised the worldwide pandemic alert. Over 70 countries have reported cases of H1N1 and the virus has continued to spread. In the United States, all 50 states have confirmed cases of H1N1.
To find out more about H1N1 go to http://www.ourhealthworld.com/h1n1.html
Find out more aboutH1N1, then visit www.ourhealthworld.com to find detailed information on H1N1 Flu.
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