The Swine Flu Medical Mystery
The Swine Flu is a medical mystery that emerged in the year 2009.
The official name for this condition is considered to be the "2009 H1N1"
, but since its first known case in Mexico, it has been referred to as the "Swine Flu"
. In April of 2009, the condition was identified in those residing in the United States. By the 11th day of June in 2009, the group referred to as the "World Health Organization"
indicated that a worldwide pandemic of this illness was occurring. Medical professionals that originally discovered the condition found that the genes of the virus were similar to those found in pigs in the area of North America. Upon further investigation, it was found that the genes are a bit different. Additionally, genes found in the avian virus and a human virus was discovered in the 2009 Swine Flu. As a result, it is technically referred to as a virus that is "quadruple reassortant"
It has been established that the H1N1 Flu is contagious and spreads easily from one individual to another. It has also been established that it is spreading from one country to another with ease. Many individuals have developed this condition and have recovered within a relatively short time with little to no complications. However, there are many who suffer from long periods of time, with a lot of complications. Many individuals who have experienced the virus have died as a result of it. This adds to the Swine Flu medical mystery. Why do some individuals experience the virus in much the same manner as a seasonal flu while others actually die as a result of the virus? It is said that scientists and medical professionals are still investigating this medical mystery, but many feel that age, general health, and the strength of the immune system are all predetermining factors on how an individual will react to the Swine Flu.
Typically, when a person experiences a flu, they gain a sort of immune resistance to it. According to the CDC website, which was updated on the 5th day of November 2009, it is believed that those that experience the virus will acquire a type of immune resistance to it. However, recent reports in the news indicate that this virus is changing consistently. Originally, the antiviral drug called Tamiflu was working effectively against the virus. Latest reports indicate that four individuals that were being treated in a hospital in North Carolina called Duke Medical Center have a strain that is absolutely resistant to Tamiflu. In Wales, many other cases were revealed to have a resistant strain as well. It is being estimated that since the onset of the condition, at least 50 individual cases were resistant to the antiviral drug.
To add to the H1N1 Flu medical mystery, it has been established that in the Norway area there are cases of the influenza that are more severe than those experienced in the United States and other areas of the world. This strain of the believed Swine Flu is said to result in more complications with the respiratory system and more devastating effects on the lungs – naturally, it is believed that this strain of the illness will prove to be more deadly than other cases of the virus. This virus is serious and it is spreading rapidly. No one is considered to be immune – even the vaccinations are still considered to be under trials as doctors had to do something to help prevent the spread of the condition.
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