2009 flu pandemic
hideThe 2009 flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza virus, identified in April 2009, and commonly referred to as "swine flu". It is thought to be a mutation—more specifically, a reassortment—of four known strains of the influenza A virus, subtype H1N1: one endemic in (normally infecting) humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine). Experts assume the virus "most likely" emerged from pigs in Asia, and was carried to North America by infected persons. There is also evidence that the new strain had been circulating among pigs on other continents for years before infecting humans. Virtually all transmission is human to human, with cooked pork products safe to eat as the virus cannot be transmitted by eating foods.
The outbreak began in Mexico, and there is evidence that Mexico was already in the midst of an epidemic for months before the outbreak was recognized. Soon after, their government closed down most of Mexico City's public and private offices and facilities to help contain the spread. In early June, as the virus spread globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a pandemic, while also noting that the virus has so far been of "moderate severity." The virus has continued to spread worldwide, especially in the Southern Hemisphere which was in its winter flu season, and to many less developed countries with limited healthcare systems. In July, because the virus was spreading internationally with "unprecedented speed", WHO announced that it would no longer require countries to submit reports of cases, but would continue to monitor "unusual events", such as outbreak clusters or surges. Laboratories were also becoming overwhelmed simply testing for the flu which was putting healthcare systems under stress.
The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu, and may include fever, sneezes, sore throat, coughs, headache, and muscle or joint pains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that most hospitalizations have been of people that also had underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system. In an attempt to slow the spread of the illness, a number of countries, especially in Asia, have enforced strict quarantines of airline passengers showing flu symptoms, including passengers seated nearby any infected persons. A number of airlines have also begun pre-screening passengers before they travel.
WHO does not expect to have a full vaccine before the end of 2009, and if any is available before that time the supply will be limited, while some countries are hoping to have vaccines earlier.[citation needed] The CDC states that two or three vaccine injections will be required for maximum immunity from both the swine flu and seasonal flu. There is also concern that the virus could mutate later in the year and become more virulent and less susceptible to any new vaccine.
Although most cases worldwide have been mild, experts are still very concerned, partly due to the memory of the 1918 flu pandemic, which is thought to have killed between 40 million and 100 million people, and was preceded by a wave of milder cases in the spring. In addition, Dr Anne Schuchat from CDC thinks, "this is a virus that's capable of causing a spectrum of illness that includes severe complications and death". "It's very important we take this virus seriously".
For more information about 2009 flu pandemic, read the full article at
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News tagged with swine flu pandemic
CDC now says 4,000 swine flu deaths in US
Nov 11, 2009 |
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(AP) -- Federal health officials now say that 4,000 or more Americans likely have died from swine flu - about four times the estimate they've been using.
Government enlists employers' help to contain flu
Aug 19, 2009 |
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(AP) -- Government officials are calling on U.S. businesses to help manage swine flu this fall by getting vaccines to vulnerable workers and encouraging employees with symptoms to stay home.
Seasonal flu vaccine shipping early, demand up
Medicine & Health / Medications
Aug 06, 2009 |
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(AP) -- The swine flu pandemic is spurring makers of seasonal flu vaccines to ship them to the U.S. market well ahead of schedule, and supplies are tightening as distributors and others snap up vaccine vials.
Researchers warn: 'Antivirals might be wasted on the elderly'
Jul 28, 2009 |
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A model of influenza transmission and treatment suggests that, if the current swine flu pandemic behaves like the 1918 flu, antiviral treatment should be reserved for the young. Researchers writing in the open access journal ...
Pandemic could overwhelm critical care beds in England, especially children's units
Jul 24, 2009 |
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Experts in intensive care and anaesthesia have predicted that the current swine flu pandemic could overwhelm critical care beds and ventilators in England, with hospitals on the South East Coast, and in the South West, East ...
Humans may give swine flu to pigs in new twist to pandemic
Jul 09, 2009 |
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The strain of influenza, A/H1N1, that is currently pandemic in humans has been shown to be infectious to pigs and to spread rapidly in a trial pig population.
Swine flu gives rise to Internet hucksters plying questionable treatments
Jun 23, 2009 |
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Worried about swine flu? Don't want to wait for a shot or a prescription from your doctor?
Vaccinating children may be effective at helping control spread of influenza, experts say
Jun 17, 2009 |
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Targeting children may be an effective use of limited supplies of flu vaccine, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust and the EU. The study suggests that, used to support other control measures, this could help ...
Nations say they are ready for swine flu pandemic
Jun 12, 2009 |
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Nations around the world said they were ready to combat the spread of the swine flu virus Friday, urging people not to panic after the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic.
WHO declares flu pandemic
Jun 12, 2009 |
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The swine flu has escalated into the world's first influenza pandemic in 40 years, the World Health Organization declared Thursday, after infecting tens of thousands of people in 74 countries.
WHO gets ready declare a swine flu pandemic
Jun 10, 2009 |
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(AP) -- The World Health Organization is gearing up to declare a swine flu pandemic, a move that could trigger both the large-scale production of vaccines and questions about why the move was delayed for ...
World edges towards official swine flu pandemic
Jun 10, 2009 |
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Health authorities edged towards global swine flu pandemic status Wednesday as the virus wreaked havoc with Australian sports scheduling and Colombia reported its first death.
WHO consults emergency flu committee
Jun 05, 2009 |
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The World Health Organisation on Friday began consulting its emergency committee of flu experts on the severity of the swine flu virus and possible travel recommendations.
World 'getting closer' to swine flu pandemic: WHO
Jun 02, 2009 |
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The world is "getting closer" to a swine flu pandemic as the virus shows early signs of spreading locally in countries outside the Americas, a senior World Health Organisation official said Tuesday.
WHO chief does not raise swine flu alert level
May 18, 2009 |
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(AP) -- The chief of the World Health Organization says she is not raising the world swine flu alert level just yet.
