Swine Flu H1N1 Severity
Influenza A H1N1 is a contagious infectious disease following the penetration of a new virus in the body. This virus is a mutant, ie the viral genome (all the chromosomes of the virus) is composed of pieces of chromosomes from swine, birds and man. Another characteristic of this virus, which differs from the flu virus usual to say seasonal, is that it was primarily on young people and it is not necessary that individual is in immunodeficiency (that is to say with a deficit of its immune defenses) to be infected by this disease.
More recently, a study of 574 deaths by the National Institute of Health Surveillance, published August 20, shows that it is the elderly whose age exceeds 50 years are relatively protected vis-à-vis the avian H1 N1. On the other hand these same people if they are less frequently affected, are more likely to develop into a severe form.
– Half of individuals are persons weakened by preexisting diseases.
– Roughly speaking people most at risk of complications are the same as for seasonal influenza.
– It is important to note that pregnant women and obese individuals are more exposed to avian H1 N1 than others.
-Confirmation of these findings is still needed in the months ahead.
What is the severity of influenza H1 N1?
Influenza A H1N1 infecting pigs is usually a first cousin of the human influenza (influenza type H1 N1).
Usually, the virus of swine flu, which concerns only the animal does not affect humans. The virus is currently involved, meanwhile, a mixture of pieces of chromosomes (called the genome) from other viruses not only swine but also of man and some birds and in particular virus of avian influenza. Until now it was thought that individuals with influenza A H1N1 were professionals pork. A major feature of this virus is swine flu can be transmitted easily among humans.
The transmission from man to man is not known with precision, is why it is currently studied by various laboratories of infection in several countries in the world, particularly those States: USA, Canada (Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg), and Europe.
We know with near certainty that once the virus became human, he is no more pig and this new virus should not be called virus of swine influenza, but influenza A H1N1. The virus has changed its name, it is sometimes called Mexican Flu Virus.
