The Novel A H1N1 Virus

Novel H1N1, previously referred to as the swine flu, is a new strain of influenza first reported in the United States in mid-April, 2009. It is spreading from person-to-person worldwide. Because it is a new, or novel, virus, people have little natural immunity to it and can catch it more easily. However, while potentially serious, most people who have become ill from H1N1 recover without hospitalization or medical treatment.

How H1N1 is Different from Seasonal Flu

While its symptoms, including fever, cough and sore throat, resemble the seasonal flu, H1N1 differs in a few crucial ways:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concludes the novel H1N1 virus has been reported in only a few people older than 64, deeming the elderly so far at low risk for H1N1.
  • Pregnancy and other conditions considered at risk for complications from seasonal flu are even more vulnerable to complications from H1N1.
  • Young adults are not normally a population affected by seasonal flu, but they are for H1N1, hence they should consider vaccination for H1N1.

Find the latest statistics on H1N1 cases reported in Pennsylvania.