Swine Influenza Now Officially Referred to as "H1N1 Flu"
According to the CDC, “swine influenza” has been officially renamed as "H1N1 Flu." The name change follows urging by the U.S. pork industry and others to remove any references to “swine” when describing the virus (for more information, please visit our previous post on the subject). As we reported previously, the current strain is a hybrid of avian and hog viruses, and has nothing to do with “swine.” Moreover, despite extensive testing, the hybrid virus has not been found in pigs, and pork products remain entirely safe to eat.
The H1N1 virus is carried and spread person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. The symptoms of the H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal influenza, and can include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with the flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
People can stay healthy by following simple precautions. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze (alcohol-based hands cleaners are effective), and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth (most germs are spread that way). Currently, 141 cases have been confirmed in 19 states.
Despite the continuing spread of the H1N1 flu, the virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. As a result, the U.S. Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.
For more information, please visit the CDC H1N1 Flu Website.
