What is Influenza A (H1N1)?
A highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by influenza A viruses that regularly causes diseases and outbreaks of influenza in pigs. H1N1 viruses causes high level of illness (high morbidity) and low death rates (low mortality) at about 1-4% in pigs. The mode of spreads of this virus among pigs is by aerosols and direct/indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs exist. In temperate countries, outbreaks in pigs occur throughout the year with an increased incidence in the fall and winter similar to outbreaks in humans.
How many Influenza A (H1N1) viruses are there ?
H1N1 viruses change constantly as other influenza viruses. There are 4 main influenza A virus subtypes been isolated in pigs. Those viruses are H1N1 subtype A, H1N2, H3N1 and H3N2. Pigs can also be infected with avian influenze viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses. The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally introduced into pigs by humans. Sometimes pigs can also be infected with more than one virus type at a time, which allow the genes from a number of sources called a "reassortant" virus. Although influenza A (H1N1) viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans. Most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
When & where does H1N1 started infecting human ?
Since implementation of IHR (2005) in 2007, WHO has been notified of Influenza A (H1N1) cases from the USA and Spain. The Influenza A also affecting countries such as Mexico, Canada, Australia and now could be considered a global outbreaks.
What are the symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) in people ?
Similar to the symptoms of regular flu which includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported associated to Influenza A. It's also could cause a worsening for chronic medical conditions infected people.
Is it safe to eat pork and pork products ?
There is no evidence that Influenza A (H1N1) can be transmitted through eating properly cooked pork or other products derived from pigs. The Influenza A (H1N1) viruses can be killed by cooking under temperatures of 160 degrees F or 70 degrees C.
How does human become infected ?
Influenza A (H1N1) does not normally infect humans. People usually get H1N1 through contact with infected pigs or contaminated environment with H1N1 viruses. Human to human transmission has been documented in recent cases which was due to close contacts with the infected people.
Is there a human vaccine to protect from Influenza A (H1N1) ?
No.
What drugs are available for H1N1 treatment ?
Most of the previously reported cases, recovered fully from the disease without requiring medical attention or antiviral medicines.
How long can an infected person spread Influenza A (H1N1) to other ?
People with influenza A virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly up to 7 days. Younger children might be contagious for a longer period.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick or infected by H1N1 virus ?
Certain prevention measures could be taken to prevent spreading of viruses that caused influenza such as;
- cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or hankerchief when cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue into the waste basket after use it.
- wash hands regularly with soap and water especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are very effective.
- try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- if sick with influenza; stay at home and limit contact with others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- consult your nearest health care facilities.
(Source: Malaysia's Ministry of Health)
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