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What is H1N1 Influenza 09?
The Human Swine Influenza virus is a new flu virus that is infecting people and spreading from person to person. Cases of Human Swine Influenza have been confirmed in countries throughout the world by the World Health Organization and there have now been confirmed cases of Human Swine Influenza in Australia.
Human Swine Influenza is spread from person to person in the same way seasonal influenza and other common respiratory infections spread. Human Swine Influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get Human Swine Influenza from eating properly handled and prepared pork or pork products.
Transmission
Human Swine Influenza is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. This flu is thought to be spread from person to person in the same way seasonal influenza and other common respiratory infections spread.
Being in close contact (e.g. within a metre) with an infected person while they are talking, coughing or sneezing puts you at risk of becoming infected. Virus-containing droplets can land on the surfaces of the mouth, nose and throat of people close by. The virus may also be spread through contact with infectious respiratory secretions on the hands of an infected person or other objects and surfaces.
Infectious Period
People with Human Swine Influenza should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven (7) days following the onset of illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including fever and any one of the following:
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cough
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sore throat
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runny nose or
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nasal congestion
Some people have also reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with Human Swine Influenza. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, Human Swine Influenza may cause worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Treatment
Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®) can be used in the treatment of Human Swine Influenza. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines which fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs work best if started soon after becoming sick (within 2 days of symptoms developing). Antibiotics may be required for secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia.
Health Outcome
Like seasonal flu, Human Swine Influenza in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Serious complications such as pneumonia can occur. People with existing health problems may be at risk of these conditions worsening if they develop H1N1 Influenza 09.
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