Swine Flu FAQs

Swine flu gripped media attention in 2009/2010 but how much do we actually know about the H1N1 virus? And more importantly, how much of a risk is this disease to humans?

1. How do humans catch swine flu?
2. What is the number of people who have been affected?
3. Does swine flu pass from person to person?
4. Are there any chances of a large outbreak of swine flu?
5. What would the consequences be if such a virus came to exist?
6. Does swine flu have different strains?
7. Is any vaccine available for this disease?
8. Would eating pork increase my chances of infection?
9. How are affected countries responding to swine flu?

1. How do humans catch avian flu?

Like Avian flu, or Bird flu as it’s commonly known, H1N1 (Swine flu) is “named” after the animal that initially carried it. In this case it’s believed to have been pigs in Mexico. But unlike the avian counterpart, the disease has not been connected as being spread through contact or ingestion of the specific animals. Ongoing studies are attempting to track the exact method through which H1N1 is transmitted but at present it is believed to be much in the same way regular flu; through the respiratory tract. Droplets of infected body fluids may then be ejected from the body through coughing or sneezing and may infect those in the immediate area. Further studies have shown that the wearing of N95 respirators, when used properly, can filter the germs from the entering the body and reduce the spread of flu.

2. What is the number of people who have been affected?

As of 29th April 2011, there have been a total of 53 confirmed deaths related to swine flu with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a total of 4,780 infections worldwide. The vast majority of infections occurred in the United States - 2,618 - with the highest death rate occurring in Mexico, where H1N1 is believed to have originated. Reports continue to provide information on new cases of infections but in general the number of new infections is low.

3. Does swine flu pass from person to person?

The exact way in which swine flu is spread has not been documented, and further strains may differ, but it’s believed to be spread in the same way as conventional flu. So if an infected person were to come into contact with a healthy person, it’s likely that the virus would be spread. This can be through skin contact, sharing a glass or inhaling drops of infected mucus through the person’s sneeze or cough.

Despite the name, and common belief, swine flu cannot be contracted through eating infected pork, though you should still be sure to only eat pork that has been prepared and cooked properly.

4. Are there any chances of a large outbreak of swine flu?

Since April 2009 the amount of reported cases of swine flu infections has grown as expected. However, mortality rates have remained reasonably low in comparison to other pandemics. The United States suffered the most infections with the second highest number of fatalities, but since then the reported numbers have dwindled worldwide.

While these numbers have dropped, and the reported danger with it, the risk of a further outbreak remains, which could potentially be more dangerous in the future, if the virus were to mutate. This could mean that the infection would occur faster, while the transmission of the disease could be much easier.

5. What would the consequences be if such a virus came to exist?

Estimations for calculating the impact of a highly efficient and fast virus are difficult to project. Depending on the speed and the potential lethality of the virus, it could literally kill “itself” before gaining any real ground. Experts have suggested that this is reason for a number of diseases being unable to spread effectively because the time between infection and death of the host is too short. In a worst case scenario, if the swine flu virus were to mutate into something that can both kill and spread effectively, the potential for casualties could be anywhere between two to 50 million worldwide.

6. Does swine flu have different strains?

Swine flu has a total of 5 strains, or “sub-species”, including H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3. The latter four only occur in pig populations. However, influenza viruses in general can evolve quite rapidly and so various strains can present themselves when the host becomes immune to them. This was one of the major difficulties when H1N1 first began infecting humans as previous treatments and vaccines did little to reduce the symptoms and treat the virus.

7. Is any vaccine available for this disease?

Tamiflu has been used as an effective treatment for both preventing and treating swine flu. Initially H1N1 was perceived to be extremely difficult to manage or treat as conventional medications weren’t effective. Antiviral drugs may also be used to decrease the symptoms, making patients feel better faster, while potentially reducing the risk complications related to flu.

8. Would eating pork increase my chances of infection?

No. Eating pork will not increase your chances of infection. Studies have shown that there is no direct link between eating infected pork and being diagnosed with swine flu. Pork is also usually prepared at a certain temperature, which is high enough to make it safe for eating.

9. How are affected countries responding to swine flu?

The initial response to swine flu was a large stockpiling of flu vaccines. As they proved ineffective for the most part, further measures were taken in areas of high infection. In Mexico, regarded as the possible starting point of the virus, pigs were culled in high numbers while exact means of infection were still unknown. The United States also put together several “worst case scenarios” in order to effectively plan for a larger outbreak. Once Tamiflu was identified as being an effective treatment for H1N1, most countries increased their stockpiles and began treatment immediately. In the UK, Tamiflu is readily available. People travelling through South America or through large portions of Europe are being advised by respective countries to be cautious of presenting flu symptoms and should consult doctors immediately if that is the case.