Saturday, July 4, 2009

Influenza A

Influenza A(H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).
In June 2009, WHO declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the
2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called "swine flu" by the public media.(H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).
In June 2009, WHO declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called "swine flu" by the public media.
Of the latest cases, three are travel-related while 61 have no connection with travel.
There are currently six people in hospital with H1N1 receiving treatment.
One previously reported confirmed case has today been declassified.
With the focus of the H1N1 outbreak now moving to the treatment phase, there will be changes to the way the virus is monitored and reported.
Further details about the new reporting arrangements will be given on Monday.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"We have now moved into the treatment phase and that will result in a new way of monitoring and reporting pandemic flu cases, similar to the way seasonal flu is currently reported.
"As we have always said, we expect the number of cases of pandemic flu to increase in the coming months. From what we've seen so far, most people with H1N1 experience mild symptoms and recovery is generally straightforward.
"We are well prepared to deal with the expected increase in cases and are working steadily towards the rollout of a vaccine. In the meantime, I would urge people to remember the 'catch it, bin it, kill it' message and to wash hands regularly to help limit further spread."

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