The Year of the Pig Flu

Jordan Mummau, CIS Compliance Associate
jordanmummau@cis-partners.com

Hello, my name is Jordan and I am a hypochondriac. When the first case of Swine Flu (H1N1) was announced I was sure I had it too. I began involuntarily coughing every time I heard about another incident. As I sit here writing this blog with an 8 oz bottle of waterless hand sanitizer by my side, I remain free from Swine Flu, yet still take every precaution. I was initially unaware of what Swine Flu really was when it first started to spread. Everyone has one of those friends who is commonly known as the “over exaggerator.” You know, the guy that tells the most ridiculous and ludicrous stories, which don’t hold the slightest bit of truth to them, but he explains the stories in such a way as to make them believable (if you do not have a friend like this, chances are, you are this person). Unfortunately, this was the source I received my initial information from regarding the Swine Flu. Long story short, I was under the impression that the virus was spreading through meat, animals, humans, parents, in-laws (which I figured already), etc. I was told that the virus was immediately fatal and I was strongly recommended to stay away from livestock. I was also told that it was in my best interest not to finish the rest of my pulled pork sandwich which I was eating during this conversation (fiction- added for dramatic effect). If you surround yourself with friends like this, you can see how you may become a hypochondriac too (give me a call to hear the anthrax story).

Since the virus is still spreading, it is important for people to know what the H1N1 virus actually is, and what the FDA is doing to help prevent and treat it. “Pandemic Influenza A,” “H1N1 flu,” or “Swine Flu,” is a virus that was originally known only to infect pigs. However, the current outbreak of Swine Flu has mutated in such a way that has allowed the virus to be hosted by humans[i] . The only way to get the virus is from other humans, not from pigs (the animals). The symptoms correlate with the seasonal flu; cough, sore throat, chills, etc. While the H1N1 virus may not be as bad as I originally anticipated, the World Health Organization still considers it a “Global Emergency.”

Similar to the seasonal flu virus, the severity of hospitalizations caused by the H1N1 virus varies greatly from mild cases to fatalities[ii]. The FDA said it initiated the emergency-use authorizations in response to requests from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the use of certain Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral products, and for the rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test[iii]. It appears that the virus is being found mostly within teens and young adults; however it is most severe in young children, seniors, and those with prior respiratory complications.

The epidemic may not mean lightning-quick spontaneous internal combustion. It may not spread through your pets, or through your favorite midnight snack (bacon). However, the virus has proven to be problematic and, although I’m trying to keep this blog ‘light’ to keep your attention, it is no laughing matter; the Massachusetts Department of Public Health alone announced over 20,000 reported cases of Swine Flu since the virus first appeared five months ago[iv]. It is unnecessary to be a hypochondriac but it is necessary to take precautionary steps to prevent the disease from spreading. The best way to prevent the disease is to wash your hands and to refrain from touching your face and mouth.

Sources:
[i] "Swine Flu." WebMd.com. Web. 1 Oct. 2009. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1?page=7
[ii] "Swine Flu." WebMd.com. Web. 1 Oct. 2009. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1?page=7
[iii] "FDA Issues Emergency Swine Flu Orders." UPI.com. Science News, 28 Apr. 2009. Web. 1 Oct. 2009. http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/04/28/FDA-issues-emergency-swine-flu-orders/UPI-80371240925627/
[iv] Smith, Stephen. "Swine Flu has infected 20,000 in Mass., More Cases Expected." Boston.com. WhiteCoatNotes, 30 Sept. 2009. Web. 1 Oct. 2009. http://www.boston.com/news/health/blog/2009/09/swine_flu_has_i.html