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The current virus is known as H1N1 and is a DNA combination of pig flu, bird flu, and human flu.
In late April of this year, at the end of what would normally be the flu season – Mexico began reporting a large number of cases of flu like illnesses. Because of the number and the lateness of the year for these types of symptoms, Mexican health professionals began testing patients and identified a new strain of swine flu. The majority of these cases where reported in the area of Mexico City which is currently the largest city in the world.
Swine flu is a common respiratory illness among pigs and is caused by Type-A flu viruses. Pigs are vaccinated each year against this flu. Most swine flu viruses do not infect humans. But the current swine flu epidemic is different. This new virus does spread from person to person and because humans have no immunity, it can spread worldwide rapidly.
Since first reported in April, this virus has been reported in 39 states in the United States and other countries worldwide and the World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert level to 5 meaning that this virus spreads between humans and has spread to at least two countries. There are currently no complete numbers of infections in the US and there has only been one confirmed death. The first confirmed cases in the US have been among people who have recently traveled to Mexico. So of now they have been unable to determine the severity or fatality rate with this virus but it does not seem to be any more server than the normal seasonal flu which kills approximately a quarter of a million people worldwide each year. There are currently no restrictions on international travel or any border closings.
The symptoms of H1N1 are very similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. They include fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills and extreme fatigue. Some people also report diarrhea and vomiting. Anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu have both proven effective in helping to relieve symptoms. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while ill with any type of flu.
H1N1 virus is not transmitted by food. Humans can not get this virus from eating pork or pork products. This virus is not a food born disease.
In Mexico City, health professionals have taken measures to isolate those who are sick. Furthermore, many events and gatherings have been cancelled such as church, schools and other activities and recent reports are that the city is virtually closed down. Non-essential government offices have also been closed for five days. Latest reports are that schools and offices will open again by May 11th.
If you are ill with flu like symptoms and have recently visited Mexico, you should talk to your health professional.