H1N1
A new influenza virus that spreads between people has recently been identified. This influenza is called swine influenza, because it is derived from an influenza virus that normally infects pigs. The situation is rapidly evolving.
What is swine influenza (swine flu)?
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of a swine flu virus have been recently confirmed.
What is the current situation?
Human cases of a new form of influenza virus have been identified in a number of countries. The virus is a type of influenza A virus (H1N1) that is usually seen in pigs (”swine influenza”).
The World Health Organization has declared the swine influenza situation to be a public health emergency of international concern and have raised the pandemic alert level.
This event is of concern because:
- Swine influenza is derived from an animal influenza virus, which means that humans will likely have little or no immunity
- There has been rapid spread to multiple communities overseas
- Swine influenza is affecting unusual age groups (healthy, young adults).
Protect yourself and your family from swine flu, purchase face masks.
