H1N1

2009 H1N1 Virus

University of Phoenix

Abstract

In 2009 the World Health Organization raised the flu pandemic level to phase 6 due to the H1N1 virus. In this paper I will critically review Shahid Jameel’s commentary on this matter and provide about the author himself.

2009 H1N1 Virus

Initially the 2009 H1N1 virus was called the swine flu because it was thought to be the same virus that infects pigs due to similar genes. However, with further research the influenza is now known as the 2009 H1N1 virus. There have been other flu pandemics throughout history that have caused millions of death; some of which can be associated with the H1N1 virus. Author Shahid Jameel offers commentary on the 2009 H1N1 virus along with its origin, description, treatment, and information pertaining to this virus. This paper will analyze the commentary Dr. Shahid Jameel offers on the 2009 H1N1 virus titled The 2009 Influenza Pandemic. In addition to the commentary the paper will also conclude if the author is biased and what perspective the author has about the H1N1 virus.

The 2009 H1N1 virus was discovered in April 2009 and spread very quickly. This virus is a new virus that has caused illness and even death to people all over the world. At first the virus was called the swine flu because test showed that it had similar genes to that of viruses that infected pigs (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). However, after further research it is now known as H1N1 and can be spread from person to person much like the seasonal flu virus. According to ABC news the death toll for the H1N1 virus rose to 4,000 on November 12, 2009. In fact the World Health Organization (WHO) anticipated the virus to spread quickly and alerted a phase 6 pandemic alert for the virus (Jameel, 2010). The virus was global and everyone was encouraged to protect themselves by wearing face masks, washing their hands frequently, and to avoid contact with others if they showed any symptoms of the...