Swine flu 2022

What the world doesn't need now is a pandemic on top of a pandemic. So a new finding that pigs in China are more and more frequently becoming infected with a strain of influenza that has the potential to jump to humans has infectious disease researchers worldwide taking serious notice. Robert Webster, an influenza investigator who recently retired from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, says it's a "guessing game" as to whether this strain will mutate to readily transmit between humans, which it has not done yet. "We just do not know a pandemic is going to occur until the damn thing occurs," Webster says, noting that China has the largest pig population in the world. "Will this one do it? God knows." When multiple strains of influenza viruses infect the same pig, they can easily swap genes, a process known as "reassortment." The new study, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on an influenza virus dubbed G4. The virus is a unique blend of three lineages: one similar to strains found in European and Asian birds, the H1N1 strain that caused the 2009 pandemic, and a North American H1N1 that has genes from avian, human, and pig influenza viruses. The G4 variant is especially concerning because its core is an avian influenza virus—to which humans have no immunity—with bits of mammalian strains mixed in. "From the data presented, it appears that this is a swine influenza virus that is poised to emerge in humans," says Edward Holmes,...

RESOURCES BY SECTOR • Digital health • Facility design and operations • Health plans • Hospitals and health systems • Medical device • Organizations outside the United States • Outpatient care centers • Pharma • Pharmacy and lab • Physicians and medical groups • Post-acute care providers • Purchased and professional services • While hospitalization rates are rising among all age groups, they were highest among those ages 65 and older and children ages 4 and younger. CDC's data shows the highest rates of flu activity are currently in the Southeast and South-Central areas of the United States—from Texas to Georgia and gradually moving up the East Coast. Experts concerned about lagging vaccination rates Currently, CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every year. According to William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, while there's no dominant flu strain yet, the current vaccines match up well with the strain most often being reported. However, just 21% of adults and 22% of children have received a vaccine so far this year, CDC data shows, which is similar to the amount of people receiving a vaccine this time last year. "That makes me doubly worried," Schaffner said. The high flu burden "certainly looks like the start of what could be the worst flu season in 13 years." Schaffner added that the flu data right now is "ominous." "Not only is f...

The “swine flu” (or Influenza) caused a worldwide flu outbreak that lasted from 2009 to 2010. This virus is a form of seasonal flu. Its scientific name is A/H1N1pdm09, or simply “H1N1”. The H1N1 virus was first found in Mexico, back in April of 2009. It became known as “swine flu” because of its similarity to viruses that affect pigs. Only a few young people were immune to it. Therefore, it spread rapidly across the world, causing a pandemic. However, the outbreak was not as severe as originally expected. For example, The small number of cases that led to severe illness, including death, were mostly children, young adults with previous health conditions, and pregnant women. The WHO declared the pandemic over in August of 2010. Recently, since In today’s post, we’ll discuss some of the most common questions regarding the “swine flu”. We’ll cover: • What is “swine flu” • Who is at higher risk of contracting it • How it spreads • “Swine Flu” today and how to prevent it Let’s dive in. What Is Influenza (Flu)? The flu is an infectious respiratory disease brought about by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and in some cases, the lungs. Although similar, unlike a common cold, the flu tends to strike suddenly. Common symptoms include: • Fever or feeling feverish/chills (this may not happen in every case) • Sore throat • Cough • A runny or stuffed-up nose • Fatigue • Muscle aches • Headaches • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) Influenza sympto...