Ever since a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 commonly referred to as swine flu first hit Mexico in March 2009, it has already spread to other parts of the world and infected a large proportion of the human population that it already became known as the 2009 flu pandemic.

Pandemics can cause high levels of mortality. According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the confirmed total number of humans infected by the AH1N1 (swine flu) virus is at 124,000+ and deaths at 700+. This record is as of July 7, 2009.

The AH1N1 (swine flu) virus spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions from someone that is infected with the virus, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you. You can also get infected when you touch a thing that has been contaminated like door knobs, coins or drinking glasses.

So, how do you know if you are infected with the virus?

AH1N1 (swine flu) symptoms are similar to those of influenza (or flu):

• chills
• fever
• sore throat
• muscle or joint pains
• severe headache
• cough
• runny nose or stuffy nose
• weakness or fatigue
• general discomfort
• diarrhea and vomiting
• loss of appetite

Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include:

• pneumonia
• respiratory failure
• trouble breathing
• bluish or gray skin color

ECDC notes that most hospitalizations have been of people that also had underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu, you can use this NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker.

Sources: Wikipedia, NHS.uk

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Tags: AH1N1, swine flu, wikipedia