H1N1 Influenza Virus

What is H1N1 Influenza Virus (swine influenza or swine flu)?

H1N1 (Swine influenza or swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly infects pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur and cases of person-to-person spread of these viruses have been documented.

Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. These viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930. * Information taken from BCHealthFiles

What can you do to protect yourself?

Currently there is no vaccine available to protect against swine flu. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself from the spread of germs.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Please be sure to discard your tissue after use
• Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water
• If you are unable to wash your hands, use an alcohol based hand cleaner
• Avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth
• Try to avoid being in close contact with sick individuals
• If you are sick, please stay at home

Useful links

BC Centre for Disease Control Health Alerts
BCHealthFiles H1N1 Influenza Virus
BC Pandemic Plan
World Health Organization- Influenza A (H1N1)

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