H1N1 Flu 2009
The 2009 H1N1 (also known as “Swine Flu”) is a new influenza virus that began effecting people in April 2009. According to the World Health Organization, the H1N1 virus is now a pandemic, even though most cases were of moderate severity. The virus spreads person-to-person much like the regular seasonal flu. This includes sneezing, coughing and touching surfaces infected with the virus and then touching your nose or mouth. While most people infected with the virus have recovered without seeking medical treatment, certain groups are at higher risk of being hospitalized or developing serious complications-
People 65 or older
Young Children
Pregnant Women
People who already have a preexisting medical condition
About 70 percent of people hospitalized for H1N1 symptoms have had one or more preexisting medical condition.
Symptoms of the H1N1 include
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
Information from the Center for Disease Control
More Links about the H1N1 Virus:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/visionaries/MarcLipsitch
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html