Great Swine Flu Epidemic

The most recent threat to human population is the 2009 flu outbreak, commonly referred to as the swine flu, which is caused due to infection by a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. The symptoms of swine flu are sore throat, cough, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain. In April 2009, clinical studies confirmed that the H1N1 strain resulted from the reassortment (mixing of genetic material) of a strain of human influenza virus (that causes human flu), a strain of avian influenza virus (that causes bird flu) and two strains of swine influenza virus (that causes influenza in pigs). This virus strain is named as H1N1 flu virus according to US researchers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted the possibilities of swine flu pandemic, increasing the threat level to Phase V of its six threat level scale. The WHO claims swine flu to be an issue of international concern. In Mexico city, as of 1st May, the new flu strain has reported to kill about 176 people and made thousands sick. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that not all death cases are related to swine flu. Hence, the mortality rate can be as low as 1 percent or as high as 6.5 percent. As a major step to help contain and stabilize the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, workplaces, companies, building sites, schools and other areas will remain shut for the next few days.

The United States has reported to have maximum infections (about 145 cases) next to Mexico city. In addition, 15 countries have confirmed the cases of swine flu occurrence. In total, the suspected cases of swine flu accounts to about 4400. However, in spite of all these issues, according to the CDC, the swine flu may not be as severe as it was thought to be in the first outbreak. Majority of the swine flu cases outside Mexico are mild, with very few patients requiring hospitalization. Also, there is no doubt that H1N1 strain is poorly virulent, meaning that it spreads slowly.

There are two possible outcomes; due to poor virulence and continuous monitoring of outbreaks, there is high possibility that the swine flu may die out in the next few weeks. Another situation may be, the H1N1 strain may mutate into a more virulent form, which may lead to fast-spreading and pandemic wave of influenza. Today, the primary concern is about the development of an effective flu vaccine against the new H1N1 virus stain. With so many efforts from all over the world, the effective vaccine is expected to be made available by June 2009.

Though the origin of H1N1 virus is not known, the virus can spread directly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of the infected person. In order to prevent this, one should follow the standard recommendations for control of influenza virus; frequent washing of hands with soap and water, use of tissue for covering mouth while coughing or sneezing and avoid touching of eyes, nose and mouth. Those who are infected should stay at home in order to avoid further spreading of the virus to other persons.