Introduction
Swine influenza virus is actually a virus of pigs and its commom thoughout pig population worldwide. Transmission of this virus from pigs to human is rare and it usually can not pass from human to human. But early in this year (2009), a new strain of influenza virus is found in human (a zoonosis) which was thought to be come from pigs and its capable of spreading from human to human. This virus is classified under influenza A, subtype H1N1, generally known as the swine flu virus or "nobel H1N1"
What does H1N1 mean actually?
There r 3 genera of influenza virus that cause human flu. Those r Influenza A, B and C. Influeza A is the most common cause of seasonal flu,but also there are some other strain of influenza A those are endemic in pigs and birds. Influenza A virus strains are categorized according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). All influenza A viruses contain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, but the structures of these proteins differ from strain to strain, due to rapid genetic mutation in the viral genome. Influenza A virus strains are assigned an H number and an N number based on which forms of these two proteins the strain contains. 3 H and 2 N subtypes r common in human.
Origin
The new strain was initially described as an apparent reassortment (mixing of the genetic materials of two or more viruses) of at least four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, including one strain endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in swine. Subsequent analysis suggested it was a reassortment of just two strains, both found in swine. Although initial reports identified the new strain as swine influenza (i.e., a zoonosis originating in swine), its origin is still not clear.
Who r in risk?
Those who have lower immuno resistance ,such as children, HIV positives r very much susceptible for this virus.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that although this was a very serious virus, cases worldwide were usually mild, and most hospitalizations and deaths had been of persons that also had underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
Vaccination
Vaccines are available for different kinds of swine flu. Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain,vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as November 2009. Besides, ayurvedic experts said, tulsi pata( a herb) provide a little bit resistance against swine flu as well as any other seasonal flu. But if the new virus mutated futher ,it could become more virulent and less susceptible to any new vaccines.
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