Pandemic Flu

Pandemic ( H1N1) 2009 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. Initially called 'swine flu", this new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. It has now spread all around the world. This virus is spreading from person-to-person,  in  the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

How is it spread?

Spread of this Pandemic H1N1 2009 virus occurs in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Prevention

A new vaccine is now available to protect Australians from the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza virus – or Swine Flu. Those in high risk groups should visit their GP or nearest Travel Doctor TMVC clicnic, while Health for Industry can come to your work place to offer on site vaccination. It is strongly recommended that all Australians are vaccineated, and while the vaccine is currently only available to those people over 9 years of age, it is likely that approval for children will occur very soon.

Current situation

Visit World Health Organisation to learn about the latest situation.