What is 2009 H1N1 flu?

2009 H1N1 flu is a respiratory illness caused by a new strain of the Type A influenza (H1N1) virus. 2009 H1N1 virus has no link with flu season virus.

Swine Flu Update

How do people get 2009 H1N1 flu?

2009 H1N1 flu is thought to spread mainly person-to-person, so easily as the season flu. When people cough or sneeze, droplets of infected body fluids may carry 2009 H1N1 and be inhaled by other people. The transmission is also made by hands or surfaces contaminated with infected people.

Current studies showed that people aged 65 years and over had a lower risk to get 2009 H1N1 flu than younger people.

Severe Swine Flu Mainly Affects the Young Part I
Severe Swine Flu Mainly Affects the Young Part II

What are the symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu?

The first symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu are similar to the season flu. They include fever, cough, headache, muscular or joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, sometimes associated with vomiting and diarrhea.

It is necessary to consult a practitioner if the fever persists more than three days with respiratory difficulties...

In most cases, 2009 H1N1 flu has been mild illness and has not been treated by antiviral drugs or medical care.

Among serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had other health disorders or a weak immune system.

What should you do to prevent 2009 H1N1 flu?

List of everyday actions to stay healthy:

• Limit contact with others
• Wash your hands often with soap or use an alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Stay home if you get sick.

WHO Issues Guidelines on Keeping Hands Clean
Pandemic plan should prioritise hygiene
N95 Respirators Recommended to Protect Against Swine Flu
Swine Flu Vaccine Testing to Begin in Children

Which treatments for 2009 H1N1 flu?

In some cases, practitioner will prescribe antiviral drugs. However, antiviral drugs have no preventive effects for 2009 H1N1 flu.

CDC Updates Guidelines for Swine Flu
WHO Issues Guidelines for Treatment of Swine Flu

What about vaccination?

For the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. They have recommended the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to the following target groups: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years with a higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Clinical Trials of Swine Flu Vaccine Set to Begin
FDA Approves Four Swine Flu Vaccines
Should You Get a Swine Flu Vaccination?
Swine Flu Vaccine to be Ready by October

Sources and Links

Centers for Disease Control and prevention
NewScientist
MSNBC
ThirdAge
Times
FDA 
Direct gov 
MedicineNet.com 
World Health Organization