H1N1 Flu Virus, Influenza A (H1N1), Human Swine Flu, Swine Flu

H1N1 influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that causes symptoms similar to those of the seasonal influenza in people. The name "swine flu" was initially used to describe this type of influenza because laboratory tests showed that this strain of flu virus was made up of genes that were very similar to the ones that caused influenza among pigs (swine). Just like humans, pigs can get the flu. However, we now know that the H1N1 flu virus is made up of genes from several different flu viruses that normally circulate among pigs, birds, and humans.

Reasons for H1N1 influenza

The disease is caused by the H1N1 flu virus. The most common subtype , or strain , is influenza type H1N1, and this subtype has caused infection in people also . The letters H and N in the name of the breed stand for proteins found on the surface of the virus , which are used to distinguish between different subtypes .

Influenza viruses are constantly changing their genes , a process called mutation . When found on the swine flu virus in humans , and is said to have " jumped the species barrier . " This means that the virus has mutated in a way that allows them to cause the case in humans . Because humans have no natural protection or immunity to the virus , they are vulnerable to disease . Consists of the H1N1 flu virus is made up of genes from flu viruses that usually cause swine flu , birds and humans.

H1N1 flu virus is contagious . Transmission from person to person from the H1N1 flu virus occurs , and the virus spreads easily among people . It is believed that it is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza . Can be for a person infected with the H1N1 flu infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms appear and up to 7 or more days after becoming ill.

The flu spreads from person to person when the virus enters the body through the eyes, nose and / or mouth . Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air , where they can be breathed in by others . The virus can also rest on hard surfaces such as doorknobs and ATM buttons , and counters. And can the person who touches these surfaces with their hands and then touching the eyes , mouth, nose or infected with the virus. You can not get infected with the H1N1 flu from eating pork products that have been properly cooked - heated up to 71 degrees Celsius ( 160 degrees Fahrenheit ) .