AH1N1

*Adapted from the CDC

General Information:

Influenza H1N1 (which initially was called "swine flu") infection is a new influenza virus that causes people to become sick. In the United States, this new virus was first detected in people in April 2009 and other countries like Mexico and Canada have also reported cases of sick people because of this virus. This virus is spread from person to person, probably very similar to the spread of influenza viruses and seasonal influenza.

Swine Influenza in Humans

The swine influenza virus does not usually infect humans. However, there have been sporadic cases of swine influenza infections in humans. Usually, these cases occur in people who have direct exposure to pigs (ie, children who come to fairs or pigs in the swine industry workers). In addition, there have been some documented cases of people who have given the swine influenza virus to others.

In the past, the CDC received reports of about one case of infection with swine influenza virus in humans or each two years in the United States, but in December 2005 to February 2009 there have been 12 cases reported of Swine influenza infections in humans.

The symptoms of this new virus of the H1N1 influenza in people are similar to symptoms of influenza or seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people infected by this virus have also been reported vomiting and diarrhea. Furthermore, like what happens with seasonal influenza or flu, there have been cases of serious illnesses and deaths as a result of complications associated with this virus.

It is currently unknown how severe the virus may be in the general population. CDC is studying the history of people who have been infected by this virus to determine who may be at greater risk of infection or serious illness requiring hospitalization due to this virus. In cases of seasonal influenza or flu, there are certain people who have a higher risk of suffering serious complications related to influenza.

This group includes people 65 or older, young children, pregnant women and people of any age with chronic conditions. It is unknown at this time whether certain groups of people have a higher risk of serious complications related to influenza infection because of this new virus. The CDC also is conducting laboratory studies to determine whether certain individuals may have a natural immunity to this virus, according to their age.

It is believed that the spread of the H1N1 virus is occurring in the same way that seasonal influenza spreads. The influenza virus is mainly transmitted from person to person when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes. Sometimes, people can become infected by touching something with influenza viruses and then put their hands in their mouth or nose.

At this time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties of the spread of influenza virus and seasonal influenza. In studies on the seasonal flu or influenza have shown that people can be contagious from one day before symptoms begin to manifest until 7 days after they became ill. Children, especially small ones, can be contagious for longer. CDC is studying the virus and its features to try to understand it better and provide more information as soon as it becomes available.

For more information click on the following links:

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
DEPARTAMENTO DE SALUD DE PUERTO RICO