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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides up to date information on the H1N1 Influenza Virus

H1N1 Flu (Swine flu)

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?

2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?

This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

To learn more, or for current updates on the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu

A free community service, sponsored by the United Way is the National Call Line for H1N1, simply dial 211 for general information.