Influenza A also called as H1N1 virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A. It is the most common cause of influenza or flu in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness. A large fraction is of seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs called swine influenza and in birds known as avian influenza.

In June 2009, World Health Organization declared that flu caused by a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called as “swine flu" by the public media. Swine influenza also called swine flu, hog flu, pig flu and sometimes, the swine itself. The outbreak was first noted in Mexico with evidence that there had been an ongoing epidemic for months before it was officially recognized.

Transmission of the virus from pigs to human being is not common and does not always lead to H1N1. But it will be resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission causes human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at high risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected pig does not rise risk of infection when properly cooked.

Like any other influenza viruses, novel H1N1 influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms which last up for a week, are similar to those of seasonal flu, and can include fever, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, and muscle or joint pains. To avoid spreading the infection, the CDC recommended that those with symptoms stay home from school, work, and crowded situations; in general, wearing facial masks was not recommended except in health care organizations.

In case of H1N1 people at higher risk of serious complications include those whose age 65 and older, children younger than 5 years old, children with neuro-developmental conditions, pregnant women, and people of any age with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system for e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications or infected with HIV.

A person who are infected with H1N1 should stay at home, get good rest, drink a lot of liquids, do not smoke or drink alcohol, do not consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms. Furthermore, consult a physician early for the best possible treatment.

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