H1N1 Welcome to the Affordable Drugs H1N1 information page. This H1N1 information is provided to help Affordable Drugs customers and their families to find useful H1N1 info. This information is not intended to replace the professional advice of your physician. Please feel free to browse the various H1N1 topics.
H1N1 Virus The H1N1 Virus (commonly referred to as 'The Swine Flu') is a virus in the Influenza family. Interestingly, the name 'Swine Flu' came about because biologists saw big similarities between N1N1 and a common flu that normally occurs in pigs in the U.S. However, this disease is much more potent than the pig flu shared among swine in farms in the United States; it can be and has been quite deadly for humans.
This deadly flu strain gets its potency due to its genetic mutation. It surprisingly carries the pig gene found in North America, two other pig-type flu genes from Europe and Asia, a bird-type gene, and a human gene. This makes this form of the flu much more dangerous and virile than the normal, seasonal flu that most of us get in the fall or winter.
Symptoms of H1N1, in some cases, are like any other strain of flu virus. Some individuals who have contracted the swine flu will get: runny nose, body aches, headaches, sore throat, cough, and/or fever. However, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea occur which typically does not happen with the regular form of the flu. However, in some cases (particularly those of the 2009 H1N1 virus) have experienced respiratory issues and failure; these serious symptoms have shown up with no other flu symptoms.
The problem with H1N1 is not that it spreads quicker than the normal flu; it is just much stronger and likely to cause serious illness and/or death. It actually spreads much like normal strains of the flu, and since it was introduced in the United States on April 2009, has spread to global proportions. The fact that this virus spreads so easily, just like the typical winter flu, is very alarming and governments throughout the world have warned their people and created centers where people showing signs can be quarantined and/or cured of H1N1.
Most people who contract H1N1 recover quickly much like they do with any other type of flu. However, this strain of the flu is very dangerous for elderly folks, young children, or people with compromised immune systems. H1N1 can also be deadly for people with other more serious diseases that further compromise the immune system. Because of this, there have been several deaths since the introduction of H1N1 among these groups of people.
Since H1N1 is spread like it is with the normal flu that most of us are familiar with (sharing drinks, touching your mouth, shaking hands, kissing, coughing, etc.), it is important that everyone protect themselves by refraining from contact with someone who appears to have flu-like symptoms. Equally important is the recommendation that anyone showing signs of flu this season is to stay indoors until the symptoms are gone. Although H1N1 is not always deadly, it can be and it has been; it is better to be safe than sorry.
H1N1 Symptoms H1N1 is a new strain of influenza virus. Still called "swine flu" by many, this is actually a misnomer. Scientists originally thought this �flu strain was much like the influenza virus found in pigs, so it was initially named "swine �flu" for this connection. After further study, scientists realized that the H1N1 is very different, and the more formal letter-and-number name has become the official title.
First detected in April, 2009, the H1N1 has both similarities and differences to the yearly seasonal influenza. H1N1 symptoms are, in general, the same as any influenza virus.
H1N1 Symptoms
� Fever
� Cough
� Sore throat
� Runny nose
� Body aches
The fever generally comes on quite abruptly, and can be as high as 104�F. Fever can last 3-4 days, and over the counter (OTC) fever reducers are an effective treatment.
Cough symptoms in the N1H1 are different from those found in the common cold. With influenza, the cough will generally be dry and non-productive. This symptom is crucial to keep contained by mouth covering with a tissue (an immediately disposing of it in a waste receptacle) or with an elbow (not a hand!), since N1H1 is primarily spread through coughing and sneezing.
Sore throat symptoms are less common in influenza than with a common cold, as is a runny nose. Usually it is the fever and type of cough that will help distinguish H1N1 from the less concerning upper respiratory infection (common cold).
Body aches and fever are the most uncomfortable of the H1N1 symptoms. Often extremely painful, body aches can also be managed with OTC pain relievers. In some cases, a physician may order a stronger analgesic to reduce the painful body aches that accompany influenza. Prescriptions medications are also available to shorten the duration of H1N1 symptoms.
Less Common H1N1 Symptoms
� Vomiting
� Diarrhea
Although vomiting and diarrhea are less common H1N1 symptoms, they can be debilitating and dangerous symptoms for the young, elderly, and those with compromised immune symptoms. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, as can the high fevers seen in influenza. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for H1N1 or seasonal �flu patients. Frequent small amounts of oral fluids may be easier for the patient than large amounts less often. In extreme conditions that patient may need to visit the emergency room or be admitted for intensive intravenous rehydration.
H1N1 is a contagious influenza virus that is spread by respiratory drops. This respiratory virus is primarily spread from person to person: the infected person coughs and another person breathes in the infected respirator droplets. Often a person can infect others one day before experiencing H1N1 symptoms, until 5-7 days after.
H1N1 can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching the face or mouth. The H1N1 virus can remain active on a surface or object for 2-8 hours.
H1N1 Vaccine The H1N1 virus (sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Swine Flu) has been all over the media in countries throughout the world. This form of the flu has the potential to be very dangerous and bring about more severe symptoms than other more well known strains of the flu. H1N1 flu can be deadly in some cases and because of its threat to humans, a vaccine was developed to eliminate the worry of catching H1N1and being at risk for a serious illness. The H1N1 vaccine is available in many countries. Because the disease has already reached a global scale, governments have stepped in to offer the H1N1 vaccine to people in hopes to reduce further outbreaks and hopefully eliminate the virus altogether. The dynamics of this virus and how it can affect the various age groups of people are somewhat strange. It is said that people under 25 and over 65 are more likely than any other age group to have the antibody inside them to combat the H1N1. However, it is individuals who are under 25 and over 65 that are more at risk of death upon contracting H1N1. So, even though they are more likely to have the antibody to fight it, they are more at risk of death. Therefore, although it is a good idea for everyone to get the H1N1 vaccine, it is especially important for those age groups to protect themselves by getting the vaccine.
People concerned about this and looking for an H1N1 vaccine should be relieved to know that the vaccine is becoming available just about everywhere. The first place you can check is with your primary care physician. But, before you do, you might want to search the local (county and state) health organization(s) to see if they are offering the H1N1 vaccine for free; many of these organizations have already set up centers for administering the H1N1 vaccine. This is recommended because, even if you have insurance, your doctor will typically charge for the visit and you might be responsible to pay a copay for the visit or the vaccine itself.
Getting the H1N1 vaccine is a smart idea. Even if you are between the ages of 25 and 65, and not at risk as much, you are better off getting the vaccine rather than not. Contracting the H1N1 virus can be dangerous for anyone; you never know the exact state of your immune system or if there could be something else that is wrong with you that can add to the severity of the virus and increase the risk of possible death. Therefore, because the H1N1 vaccine is free in many cases, you have nothing to lose but a small amount of your time.
H1N1 Influenza One of the most publicized health threats this year has been H1N1 Influenza, also commonly referred to as swine flu. It's likely that you've heard of this infectious disease from friends, your doctor, or the news. But what makes the H1N1 influenza more dangerous than the regular, seasonal flu? Just how dangerous IS it? What should you do if you think you have H1N1 Influenza? And what can you do to protect yourself and your family? The influenza virus mutates rapidly, so there is often more than one strain in circulation at a time. This is why you must get a different flu vaccine every flu season to protect yourself against the seasonal flu. When individual viruses of one strain come into contact with another strain, the two strains can easily exchange genetic information; this is why the H1N1 Influenza was commonly referred to as "swine flu." It came about because a strain of flu found in swine exchanged genetic information with a strain of flu that affects humans; the new strain has some of the attributes of swine flu but can affect humans. One of the most significant ways that H1N1 Influenza differs from seasonal influenza is that most of the people who die from it are young, healthy people, rather than old or sick people (who are most at risk from seasonal influenza). This is worrying because the Spanish Influenza in the early 20th Century proceeded in the same way.
While the H1N1 flu is a significant public health issue, most people who get it receive no lasting injury and have fully recovered within a few weeks. If you think you have the H1N1 Influenza, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, sore throat, coughing, a headache, and stomach upset. If your doctor says that you do indeed have this flu, follow his or her directions closely. In addition, it's important to take good care of your body so that you can recover more quickly and with a smaller chance of complications. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods. Some research has suggested that supplements such as vitamin C and garlic can help you get well sooner, but check with your doctor before you try these. Also, avoid infecting others; don't go into public until you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours. Frequently wash your hands and get in the habit of sneezing or coughing into the crook of your arm rather than your hands (if you do sneeze into your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer afterward).
To protect yourself from getting the H1N1 virus in the first place, minimize risky contact with others. Avoid sharing food or drinks. Frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose. Use an antibacterial spray to clean frequently-touched objects in your home (doorknobs, hand rails, etc.). (While the H1N1 Influenza is caused by a virus, not a bacterium, antibacterial sprays are generally also anti-viral.)
Most people who catch H1N1 Influenza make a full recovery, but it's important to educate yourself about this disease and know how to prevent it.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from H1N1 The 2009 H1N1 virus - commonly known as the "swine flu" - is a new strain of influenza currently infecting people around the world. The disease is called "swine flu" because early testing indicated that the H1N1 virus shared some of the same genes of viruses normally found in swine. The first cases in the US were confirmed in April 2009 and in June 2009, the World Health Organization declared an H1N1 pandemic. Thus, it's important to be aware of how you can protect yourself and your family.
How H1N1 Spreads
The H1N1 virus spreads through human-to-human contact, the same way seasonal influenza spreads. It's primarily contracted from infected people who are coughing or sneezing. Sometimes, the disease may be contracted from touching a surface on which the virus is present and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces from 2 to 8 hours. The virus is not being spread through properly-cooked pork products or through water.
Symptoms of H1N1
The primary symptoms of H1N1 are fever, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue, and chills. Sometimes people present with vomiting or diarrhea. It's possible to have respiratory symptoms without the fever.
Length of Contagion
Symptoms generally persist for about a week. People can spread the virus to others beginning one day before their symptoms appear and from five to seven days after symptoms subside. This period may be longer in children and people with weakened immune symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests staying home for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides, without using fever suppressants.
Everyday Steps to Prevent Infection
When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Promptly dispose of all tissues in the garbage. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with infected people. If soap and water aren't available, you can disinfect your hands with alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or hand sanitizers. Try to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. You should also try to stay away from sick people, if possible.
H1N1 Vaccinations
There is a new vaccination that protects against the H1N1 flu virus. This vaccination is separate from the normal seasonal flu vaccination. The H1N1 vaccination comes in two forms: the live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (LAIV) or the inactivated vaccine. The LAIV is sprayed into the nose. It contains a weakened virus, so it won't cause illness. The inactivated vaccine is injected into the muscle, just like a seasonal flu shot. This vaccine contains dead, inactivated virus, which won't cause illness.
Priority Populations
The CDC recommends certain groups of people get the H1N1 vaccination first. These people include pregnant women, caregivers of infants younger than 6 months old, personnel involved in emergency medical services, everyone aged 6 months to 24 years, and people aged 25 to 64 years who have chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems. You should contact your healthcare provider to discuss the best options for you and your family.
What is the H1N1 Vaccine, and How Does It Work? The World Health Organization's June 2009 declaration of the H1N1 pandemic garnered the sober attention of the global community. People eagerly awaited current and accurate information about the crisis. Among the most urgent of our concerns was how the spread of the aggressively contagious H1N1 virus, or swine flu, would be prevented. No definitive answers were forthcoming. But scientists had immediately begun the momentous task of formulating a vaccine to combat the potentially deadly virus. The vaccine was quickly developed, tested, and initially distributed by early October. But even in the wake of this progress, questions remain. What is the H1N1 vaccine? How does it work?
While this newly-developed treatment has some unique qualities, it is in essence very similar to other vaccines. The National Institutes of Health announced in September that the H1N1 vaccine is essentially no different than that of the seasonal flu. Chicken pox, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, and the German Measles have also been prevented with similar compounds.
It is important to have a basic understanding of what a vaccine is before considering what is specific to the H1N1 vaccine. A vaccine is a substance intended to prevent illness by the injection of a harmless form of the same virus that causes the ailment. Introduction of the inactive virus stimulates the production of antibodies that resist the disease-causing virus. Weakened forms of a virus prepare the body to fight infection.
To make the H1N1 vaccination, scientists at The Centers for Disease Control first contained the swine flu virus from a Georgia patient. Scientists studied the sample to determine its characteristics. In order to render the virus impotent, they used what is called a "disguise technique." Genes from the outer coating of the virus were attached to a harmless laboratory-generated virus, PR8, so that the immune system would resist H1N1 without becoming infected by it.
In recent months, federal health officials in the United States report that the H1N1 vaccine is effective when administered by just one injection of 15 micrograms. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases evaluated two-hundred forty volunteer recipients in September. Findings included a ninety-six percent success rate among adults. Protection from H1N1 infection was evident within eight to ten days. There were no apparent adverse side effects other than soreness at the injection site and rarely, mild fever.
During the past few months, the effective management of the H1N1 pandemic has been the prominent topic of debate from the evening news to the family dinner table. The decision whether or not to obtain a vaccination might not be a simple one. But the facts about what the H1N1 vaccine is, what it contains, and how it works prepare us to make an informed choice.
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