What You Should Know About Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Novel influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway. WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.
It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is taking action to control the outbreak, communities, businesses, places of worship, schools, and individuals can also take steps to slow the spread.
Novel H1N1 flu spreads when sick people cough or sneeze flu germs onto others or onto surfaces that someone else may touch.
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