Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Carolyn Bivins

Regional Extension Agent

Human Nutrition, Diet & Health

May 12, 2009

There have been several discussions around our office and the community about the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

The following are some popular questions and answers written and compiled by Jim Langcuster, Alabama Cooperative Extension System news and public affairs specialist, in conjunction with Dr. Robert A. Norton, veterinary bacteriologist and Auburn University professor of poultry science on the topic. 

What is the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu?

H1N1 is the designation for this particular strain of flu. The combination of letters and numbers denotes the number of proteins on the virus.

The genetic components of the H1N1 virus are unique and have not been seen before by researchers.

Why is it called swine flu?

Any animal species — humans, swine, seals and birds, to name only a few — can serve as mixing vessels for flu viruses. Any animal can be affected by multiple flu viruses simultaneously, enabling the genetic materials in these various viruses to become exchanged, yielding a different virus.  In the case of the H1N1 virus, the genetic exchange apparently occurred in swine.

Where did the strain come from?

The origin of H1N1 has not yet been determined, though it is presumed to have originated in Mexico, possibly as recently as March 2009.

What is the difference between swine flu and the seasonal flu viruses that affect humans year after year?

Essentially nothing. In this case, the H1N1 strain happened to originate in swine — hence the term, swine flu. The next serious flu strain could originate in people, birds or some other animal.

Why does the virus seem less virulent in the United States than in Mexico, where it presumably originated?

Scientists are not sure. It could stem from differences in the quality of health care in these two countries or the rates of diagnosis. The strain could have undergone some sort of genetic recombination since its introduction into the United States.

What is the U.S. government doing to protect us should such an outbreak occur?

The federal government already has gone into full emergency mode, distributing drugs and some vaccines throughout the country. The CDC and ADPH (Alabama Department of Public Health) recommend that we wash our hands frequently using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer especially in public places after touching surfaces i.e. door knobs and other surfaces; to cough and/or sneeze in your elbow and when blowing your nose to use a tissue only one time, then throw it away.

What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is an epidemic that spreads over the entire planet or, at least, an entire region.

Will a seasonal flu shot protect me against swine flu?

No. The human influenza seasonal flu vaccine is not effective against H1N1.

Even so, some experts believe that strengthening the immune system with vaccination for seasonal flu may provide an indirect safeguard against swine flu. They consider it part of an effective health maintenance program.

Should I avoid eating pork products?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Swine flu cannot be acquired from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Moreover, even as the veterinary community is closely monitoring the swine population in the United States and throughout the world, there has been no detection of the virus in any single animal.

What are drug manufacturers doing to help prevent a pandemic?

Drug manufacturers are ramping up production of Tamiflu, which has been shown to be effective in treating H1N1. The U.S. government already has amassed a large reserve of Tamiflu, some of which already has been dispersed throughout the country, to ensure it will be readily available in the event of an outbreak.

A system is already in place to ensure that even larger supplies of Tamiflu are produced in the event of an especially serious pandemic. 

Email address: cbivins@aces.edu

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.