Influenza A/H1N1

Quick overview

What is influenza A/H1N1?

Influenza A/H1N1 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza virus (influenza A) were first reported in Mexico, the United States, and later worldwide. It has been rapidly established that these cases were not caused by the classic swine flu virus, but by a new virus called H1N1. This new form of the virus spreads through human-to-human contact, whereas the classic form of the swine flu virus spread through direct contact with infected swine. The mortality rate remains for the moment quite moderate, at around 0.5%; 14,000 deaths have already been reported in 209 countries (January 2010).

A vaccine against pandemic influenza A/H1N1 exists.

Immunity

Immunity mechanisms remain widely unknown for the time being.

Risks for Travellers

Vectors

The current form of the H1N1 virus is contagious and spreads from human to human. However, at the moment, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. As of now, the spread of the virus is thought to happen in the same way that seasonal flu spreads, through coughing, sneezing and/or touching infected objects.

The H1N1 virus is not spread by food: you cannot get infected from eating or preparing pork or pork products.

High-risk populations

People with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or respiratory diseases run a higher risk of serious complications and should be signaled as high-risk patients. Children between the ages of 6 months and 23 months, and people 65 years of age and older also fall into the high-risk category.

What are the consequences of influenza A/H1N1 ?

Incubation period

The first symptoms usually occur within two to eight days after initial exposure.

Main symptoms of influenza A/H1N1

Most patients have influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In serious cases, the disease can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure and death. For vulnerable people, influenza A/H1N1 may aggravate chronic medical conditions.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention

First and most importantly: wash your hands regularly, either with soap and water or with hand sanitizers. Try to stay in good general health by getting enough sleep, being physically active, drinking a lot of water and eating nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you experience headache, joint pain, or fever, seek medical attention.

Treatment

The use of antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment purposes may be recommended; always seek medical attention if you begin to experience flu-like symptoms and you think you may have been contaminated by the H1N1 virus. Antiviral drugs are usually available only by prescription and can help ease symptoms as well as prevent serious flu complications. They work best if started within two days after the appearance of first symptoms.