Swine Flu H1N1

Why should we fear Swine Flu? It is different than the influenza virus because of the mosaic effect. This virus is a combination of the Avian flu, the Swine flu and human influenza virus. No-one knows exactly why the H1N1 has killed so many people in Mexico but not here in the United States. The World Health Organization continues to raise the threat level even though there have been no fatalities here in the United States. Right now, the concern is that this does not lead to a pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control does recommend that those people who have been infected with the Swine Flu, H1N1 should wear masks, whereas they have not yet dictated that those in the general population purchase or wear surgical masks.

The World Health Organization recommends that those who have visited Mexico and have flu symptoms visit their health care providers to receive the necessary treatment, including antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza if necessary. All others, just stay aware, and take normal precautions to avoid flu infection.