H1N1 Swine Flu Virus

Swine Flu Information

A video clip regarding the Swine Flu pandemic is now available in our videos section. View the video presentation symptoms of H1N1 and warning signs to look for.

The Sporadic Swine Influenza virus (SIV) infection that people can experience has the potential to produce a number of clinical signs and symptoms. Numbers of the persons with a history of the SIV infection have a history of a recent, physical contact with pigs before becoming ill; although close proximity without direct contact with pigs has also been reported among persons with SIV. Contact between persons that has been either limited or non-sustained between people has lead to transmission of SIV and has been documented through published literature. Additionally; there have been confirmed cases of SIV that have not occurred through exposure to pigs.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

Many time, people experience symptoms such as a cough, fever, or sore throat; although symptoms like mild respiratory illness to include nasal congestion without a fever, or occasional severe disease have also been reported. Additional symptoms that have been reported by people with swine flu include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, myalgia, dyspnea, fatigue, and chills. Some people have experienced conjunctivitis, although it is rare. More severe disease to include pneumonia and respiratory failure have also been reported in association with swine flu. A consideration in regards to SIV involves the exacerbation of other, underlying and chronic medical conditions that a person may experience, or invasive bacterial infections.

Clinical Care and Collection of Respiratory Specimens

People who either have, or are suspected or having the SIV virus, should be considered potentially contagious for a period of seven days from the date of illness onset. People who continue to exhibit symptoms of illness for a period of time that extends past seven days should be considered contagious until their symptoms have resolved. Children; younger children in particular, have the potential to remain contagious for longer periods of time. The current outbreak of SIV is affecting younger adults between the ages of twenty and forty years of age. The time a person may remain infectious various according to the strain of swine flu involved.

Defining Swine Flu Cases

A confirmed case of SIV is defined as a person who is experiencing an acute respiratory illness combined with laboratory confirmation of the SIV virus through one of the following tests:

* Real-time RT-PCR

* Viral culture

* Four-fold rise in swine influenza A virus specific neutralizing antibodies

Suspected cases of SIV are defined as persons who are experiencing respiratory illness who may have had close contact with someone with a confirmed case of SIV while that person was ill or is an acutely ill person, such as someone with an acute respiratory illness, or contact with a person who has a history of recent contact with an animal with either a confirmed or suspected SIV infection. 'Close contact,' is defined as being within a proximity of six feet of someone who has a confirmed case of SIV. An, 'Acute Respiratory Illness,' is defined as the recent onset of at least two of the following things:

* Nasal congestion

* Sore throat

* Cough; with or without a fever or feverishness

Healthcare Worker Recommendations

When interviewing persons who are either suspected of having, or are confirmed with the SIV virus, it is recommended to:

* Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from the ill person; or use

* Personal protective equipment: fit-tested N95 respirator. If this respirator is unavailable, wear a medical-surgical mask.

* When collecting respiratory specimens from an ill confirmed or suspected swine influenza A virus case, the following is recommended:

* Wear a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator or a medical-surgical mask, disposable gloves, gown, and goggles.

* When completed, place all PPE in a biohazard bag for appropriate disposal.

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel.

Controlling Infection

Recommended Infection Control for a non-hospitalized patient in an Emergency Room, Clinic or Home Visit:

Separate the person in a single room, if available, until the person is asymptomatic. If the ill person needs to move to another part of the house, they should wear a mask. The ill person should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently and to follow respiratory hygiene practices. Cups and other utensils that have been used by the ill person should be thoroughly washed with soap and water before they are used by other persons.

Infection Control for a hospitalized patients involves the following procedures:

* Use an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative pressure air handling, if available; otherwise use a single patient room with the door kept closed.

* For suctioning, bronchoscopy, or intubation, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling.

* Standard, Droplet and Contact precautions for 7 days after illness onset or until symptoms have resolved.

* In addition, personnel should wear N95 respirators when entering the patient room.

Treatment With Antivirals

Treating either confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu with antivirals can include the use of either Zanamivir (Relenza) or Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Recommendations regarding the use of antivirals can change as information on their susceptibilities becomes available.

Antiviral Treatment

Antiviral treatment for confirmed or suspected ill case of swine influenza virus infection may include either oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir, with no preference given at this time. Recommendations for use of antivirals may change as data on antiviral susceptibilities become available. It is important to initiate the treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Confirmed and suspected cases of SIV should be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms for a period of seven days after their last known exposure to a person with a confirmed case of SIV infection.

Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, executive director of the Pueblo City-County Health Department, has presented a list of actions that people can take in order to stay healthy during during any outbreaks of swine flu. These actions include:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after
you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

* If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Preparedness and stockpiling may be needed if an illness is near or in your area. Social distancing is implemented to reduce the spread of the illness. Social distancing may be used to prevent large crowds of people from gathering. For example, schools and shopping centers may be closed; sporting events or other special events may be canceled in order to protect the community from spreading illness.

Further reference: Map of Swine Flu Outbreaks

Further Information Regarding H1N1 Swine Flu Virus

H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Trial in People with Asthma
The National Institutes of Health is preparing to launch the first government-sponsored clinical trial to determine what dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is needed to induce a protective immune response in people with asthma, especially those with severe disease.

Preparing For H1N1: Employer Responsibilities
Safety Services Canada is proud to offer a free H1N1 flu prevention course for a limited time. The online course is specifically designed for employers and outlines their legal obligations regarding H1N1 flu prevention in the workplace.

Most Americans Would Refuse Emergency Use H1N1 Vaccine or Additive
A majority of Americans would not take an H1N1 flu vaccine or drug additive authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration, according to a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and University of Georgia study.

Children Prescribed Tamiflu Could Get Wrong Dose
Medical and public health officials should be alerted to the serious potential for dosing errors in children prescribed Tamiflu due to confusion when trying to follow the medication label and using the prepackaged dosing syringe...

Less than 50% Plan to Vaccinate Their Children Against H1N1 Flu
With schools back in session, H1N1 flu has become more active across the United States, especially among children. A new vaccine against H1N1 flu, strongly recommended for kids, has been tested and is expected to be available in October. But will parents get their children vaccinated?

Ethics Issues in H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic
While we hope there will not be a major second wave of the H1N1 flu, there is limited cause for optimism and we could well see the pandemic's full onset late this year or early next when the traditional flu season begins...

H1N1 Pandemic Flu Response Canada
Provinces and territories have strong plans in place to deal with the H1N1 flu virus this fall and are collaborating to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians.

Canada has Enougth H1N1 Vaccine for all Canadians
Canadians should know that we will have enough vaccine for everyone who needs and wants to be immunized. The focus in the coming weeks and months is to ensure that those who need it most get it first.

Vaccination of 70% of US Population Could Control Swine Flu Pandemic
An aggressive vaccination program that first targets children and ultimately reaches 70 percent of the U.S. population would mitigate pandemic influenza H1N1 that is expected this fall, according to computer modeling and analysis of observational studies conducted by researchers at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VIDI) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Clinical Trial Results of H1N1 Influenza Vaccines in Healthy Adults
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, also is conducting clinical trials of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines, produced by Sanofi Pasteur and CSL Limited. The NIAID trials are testing two different dosages (15 micrograms versus 30 micrograms) and evaluating the immune response to one and two doses of these vaccines.

Dung of the Devil Plant May Help Cure Swine Flu
Scientists in China have discovered that roots of a plant used a century ago during the great Spanish influenza pandemic contains substances with powerful effects in laboratory experiments in killing the H1N1 swine flu virus that now threatens the world.

Children with Asthma More Vulnerable to H1N1 Virus
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius highlights Philadelphia MCAN Project as model for managing childhood asthma and reducing H1N1 risk.

Flu Pandemic and Seasonal Flu Information - Flu.gov
The Flu.gov web site, presented by the United States Government, provides a variety of forms of information about the flu. The site presents information in several areas such as the seasonal flu, general information, outbreak monitoring, health and safety, and information related to testing, medications, and vaccines.

World-first Swine-flu Vaccine Trial Provides Strong Immune Response
The findings showed that it is possible to induce protective antibody against A(H1N1) infection within two weeks of administration of a single low-dose adjuvanted vaccine.

Canada Well-positioned to Provide H1N1 Flu Vaccines
The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories and experts in the medical and ethics fields to finalize guidance to identify those people who should receive the vaccine first. This work, in addition to clinical trial data on safety and efficacy, will help provinces and territories in rolling out their H1N1 immunization programs.

CDC H1N1 Guidance for Colleges, Universities, and Institutions of Higher Education
The guidance crafted by the scientists and doctors at the CDC is designed to help colleges and universities start planning and acting now for the impact that seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza could have this fall and winter on their students and faculty members, as well as other university employees.

Federal Guidelines for Employers Regarding H1N1 and Influenza Season
It is not known whether the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus will cause more illness or more severe illness in the coming months, but the CDC recommends that everyone be prepared for influenza. Because seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza pose serious health threats, employers should work with employees to develop and implement plans that can reduce the spread of flu.

Preparing for H1N1 Virus Pandemic
If disease patterns in the northern hemisphere follow those in the southern hemisphere, Europe and North America will most likely experience a second wave of H1N1 cases this fall and our resources could be overwhelmed. In most areas, planning has not yet included how to secure experienced health care professionals to deliver technologies to help patients survive.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine and Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome involves a disorder which attacks a person's nervous system and may cause paralysis or even death. The syndrome is linked to infections such as the flu, yet it has also been suggested that a previous swine flu vaccine caused cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome in America in the 1976 pandemic when officials rushed a vaccine to citizens after an outbreak.

Federal Guidelines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Schools
Updated federal guidelines offer state and local public health and school officials a range of options for responding to 2009 H1N1 influenza in schools, depending on how severe the flu may be in their communities. The guidance says officials should balance the risk of flu in their communities with the disruption that school dismissals will cause in education and the wider community.

Canada Takes Action to Better Understand H1N1 Flu Virus
The study will examine the risk factors for severe infection, including age, weight, gender, underlying diseases, genetic background, and immunization history. It will also probe the reasons why some people become severely ill very quickly, and seek to determine how long a seriously ill person is infectious.

H1N1 Vaccine Ingredients Purchased by HHS
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the department will commit $884 million to purchase additional supplies of two key ingredients for potential H1N1 vaccine to further prepare the nation for a potential resurgence of the 2009 H1N1 virus.

H1N1 Symtoms and General Information
People with H1N1 (swine) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

States Eligible for $350 Million H1N1 Seasonal Flu Preparedness
One day after hosting a summit on the 2009 novel H1N1 flu with representatives from state, tribal, territorial and local governments from across the country, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the availability of $350 million in grants to help states and territories prepare for the 2009 novel H1N1 flu virus and the fall flu season.

Nation to Begin Planning and Preparing for H1N1 Virus and Fall Flu Season
The Obama Administration sent a strong message to the nation that it is time to start planning and preparing for the fall flu season and the ongoing H1N1 flu outbreak and that the federal government is prepared to commit resources, training, and new tools to help state and local governments and America's families get ready.

MIT and CDC Discover Why H1N1 Flu Spreads Inefficiently
A team from MIT and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found a genetic explanation for why the new H1N1 "swine flu" virus has spread from person to person less effectively than other flu viruses.

H1N1 Swine Flu Snippets
The new H1N1 influenza virus that has triggered a global pandemic is infecting people in the United States well beyond the normal period for influenza season. Statistics indicate the virus is continuing to spread even though the normal flu season is over and an increasing proportion of victims are being hospitalized.

Map of Latest H1N1 Swine Flu Outbreak Cases and Statistics
Latest information and news including a chart and map showing locations of US and world swine flu H1N1 cases and outbreaks including death statistics.

FDA and FTC Warn of Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

H1N1 Swine Flu News Roundup 30 April 2009
Health authorities around the world are taking extraordinary measures to combat the epidemic and mitigate its effects for several interlocking reasons. It is clear the strain is easy to transmit; what remains to be seen is how many more deaths will result.

Swine Flu Face Mask Readied for Fight Against Pandemic
Filligent, the Hong Kong-based biotech company, is mobilizing stocks of its anti-infective BioMask to help combat the global spread of the deadly new Mexican strain of Swine Flu or Influenza A. The BioMask is the first medical face mask to kill the Influenza A virus within seconds of contact while retaining the breathability required by front-line workers and children, who are often the first to fall in a contagious episode.

Government of Canada Working to Address Swine Flu
Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones today assured Canadians that the federal government is working closely with the provinces and territories and international partners to protect the health and safety of Canadians, following confirmation of the first cases of human swine influenza in Canada.

Swine Flu Cases and Update for Mon 27th April 2009
The World Health Organization said it was moving up a meeting to Monday to decide whether to raise the level of the UN agency's pandemic alert from its current level of 3 out of 6. The current situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

Swine Flu Information and Answers on H1N1 Virus
News just to hand states the U.S. has Declared a Public Health Emergency in Response to Swine Flu. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the declaration was a precautionary measure, and did not mean that the threat posed by the outbreak was worsening.

The 1976 Swine Flu Outbreak
The 1976 swine flu outbreak at Fort Dix, New Jersey set a precedent in immunology through attempts to vaccinate an entire population of a nation against the potential for a swine flu epidemic.

Swine Flu Outbreak - 1918
The 1918 Swine Flu outbreak was exceptionally severe, and affected approximately one-third of the world's population, which amounted to about five-hundred million people at the time. The rate of death associated with this outbreak of SIV was estimated to be between fifty-million and one-hundred million people.