Influenza A (H1N1) also known as Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory infection caused by a new flu virus or flu. Clinical symptoms are generally similar to those of seasonal flu, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia.
HIV transmission occurs from person to person through droplets generated by talking, coughing or sneezing. Being a new virus, everyone is vulnerable to the disease. Those with particular status of risk are: pregnant women, children, young adults and those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes and heart or respiratory problems, among others.
The seasonal influenza vaccine does NOT protect for the new influenza virus. The World Health Organization has classified as an outbreak of influenza A pandemic. This means it has been transmitted between humans over a wide geographical area.
The state of pandemic does not necessarily mean the virus is more dangerous or has a higher mortality rate, but has a high degree of infectivity and can move easily from one region to another, in short, globalization exacerbates the problem .
Influenza A is transmitted by
* Direct contact with a sick person.
* For the droplets from coughing or sneezing of infected persons
* By touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, stair railings or taps.
* When touching eyes, nose or mouth after being in contact with items or people infected.
