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- Category: Science
- Date Submitted: 07/23/2010 01:24 AM
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Swine Influenza
Swine influenza
— NTRODUCTION — Swine influenza viruses usually infect pigs, but occasionally can cross species barriers to infect humans. In the past, cases of person-to-person transmission have been reported but have been confined to small outbreaks .In late March and early April 2009, an outbreak of H1N1 influenza A virus infection was detected in Mexico, with subsequent cases observed in many other countries, including the United States . On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert level to the highest level, phase 6, indicating widespread community transmission on at least two continents
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentiallybe contagious for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?It’s not...
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