Swine Flu Paper

H1N1 Flu: Is It Still A Pandemic?

After all of the media coverage regarding the swine flu and what was happening within the last year, one wonders, is it still a problem today? Are there still people coming down with the virus? Do we still need to get the vaccine? In this paper these questions will be addressed and information given about what this disease is, its prevalence, prevention and public awareness measures.

The Mayo Clinic gives this definition of the swine flu:

Novel H1N1 flu, popularly known as swine flu, is a respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus first recognized in spring 2009. The new virus, which is officially called swine influenza A (H1N1), contains genetic material from human, swine and avian flu viruses. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009)

There are two types of flu that people should be aware of: seasonal flu and H1N1. Seasonal flu is a virus that differs from year to year and remains active roughly fall through spring. Although symptoms are similar to H1N1, the vaccines are different. Laboratory tests are required to determine the identity of a flu virus. The most common test is called the rapid influenza diagnostic test with results in 30 minutes or less. “Rapid tests vary in their ability to detect flu viruses. Depending on the test used, their ability to detect 2009 H1N1 flu can range from 10% to 70%.” (3) A more reliable test is done in specified labs such as a state lab using a different technique. All tests are done using a nasal swab.

The “2009” in the name 2009 H1N1 Influenza relates only to the year the virus was identified rather than the duration of the flu season.

This virus was originally called swine flu because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses...