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Discussions about H1N1 (Swine) flu is all over the news, Twitter and personal conversations around the world. Terms like "public health emergency" and "swine flu pandemic" are scary to hear about. What is H1N1 (Swine) Flu, what is a pandemic, and should you be concerned?
H1N1 (Swine) flu is a common and often mild respiratory virus of pigs. The problem is, this virus can re-organize itself (mutate) to keep infections active and work around vaccines. This version of the swine flu virus incorporates pig, human, and avian strains in its genome.
Scientists do not know the exact source of this outbreak. No cases in pigs have been confirmed as the definite source in this situation. The big trouble with this version of the virus is that not only can it infect humans, it can spread human-to-human, allowing for much faster spread than if it was pig-to-human only transmission. Added to this is the fact that this is a new mutation, and humans do not have built up immunity, as we do for the plethora of other common viruses out there.
Learn more: Swine flu - why is a mild pig disease dangerous to humans?
Find out about H1N1 (Swine) flu and how this virus replicates in this well-written article by Dr. Peter Wedderburn, a vet in Ireland (@petethevet on Twitter).
Related: Can my dog or cat get H1N1 (swine) flu?
The About.com Health Guides have done an excellent job of providing information about H1N1 (Swine) Flu, the risks, whether or not you should panic, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
- Should You Fear H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
A healthy respect is called for - from Trisha Torrey, About.com Guide to Patient Empowerment. - H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update: Reasons Not to Panic... Yet
News and disease facts from Ingrid Koo, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Infectious Diseases. - H1N1 (Swine) Flu 2009 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swine Flu and How Can You Protect Yourself? From Trisha Torrey, About.com Guide to Patient Empowerment. - H1N1 (Swine) Flu - Influenza Basics
From Vincent Iannelli, MD, About.com Guide to Pediatrics. - CDC states U.S. H1N1 (swine) flu virus same as deadly Mexican virus
From Mary Kugler, R.N., About.com Guide to Rare Diseases. - Preparing for a Flu Pandemic
What a flu pandemic means to you - from Kristina Duda, RN, BSN, About.com Guide to Cold and Flu. - How to Protect Your Child from H1N1 (Swine) Flu
From Barbara Poncelet, About.com Guide to Teen Health
Additional Resources:
- Latest counts of laboratory confirmed cases in the US
From the CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC Monitoring Mexico Swine Flu Outbreak
From Robert Longley, About.com Guide to US Government Info. - H1N1 (Swine) Influenza and You
From the CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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