New research shows that the new H1N1 virus may lack a piece of genetic material that has been present in all other pandemic flu viruses, meaning that the new flu may not be quite as transmissible as other flu viruses.
However, officials warn that we should not become too complacent, as flu viruses can and do mutate into more serious viruses, capable of making you sicker. In two instances discovered thus far, one in Denmark and one in Japan, the virus has been found to be resistant to antiviral drugs, which is concerning as these drugs may provide some defence if taken early on in the illness.
The virus has to date caused 77,000 confirmed cases of flu, and 332 people have died as a result. Officials in the U.S. believe these numbers are only the tip of the iceberg, and estimate a million or more cases in the U.S. alone. What is being done? Obama’s administration plans to hold a Flu Preparedness Summit next week to ensure that all of the appropriate government entities are prepared in case of a more severe outbreak. Included in the summit will be Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and the Education secretary. The meeting will be held at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda. The main goals of the meeting are to discuss state preparedness, discuss priorities, and launch a national influenza education campaign.
A research team has discovered new mutations in the H1N1 virus that allow it to flourish in the small intestine, which is something that “normal” influenza cannot do. Researchers believe this is why the H1N1 virus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Seasonal influenza typically causes respiratory symptoms without the gastrointestinal symptoms seen in the H1N1 virus.
Related Links:
H1N1 Vaccine: Who Gets it First? from Health Guru
Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You from the CDC
Swine Flu from Medicine Net
