In Mexico, on April 24, 2009, the presence in humans of an influenza virus never before described was made public at the national level. This virus turned out to be an influenza A subtype H1N1 virus, with a different genetic makeup, due to the arrangement of its genome from 4 different phylogenetic lines, which include avian, human and swine (Asian and American).
Because it is a new virus, people have not developed defenses, which makes it easier to transmit. Given the rate of transmission of the virus and its rapid spread to all the continents of the world (in 53 countries), the World Health Organization (WHO) declared on June 11, 2009 the status of pandemic to the global presence of this virus.
The initials of influenza AH1N1 or influenza AH1N1, correspond to the initials of the terms "Virus A", "Hemagglutinin" and "Neuraminidase"; these last two are surface proteins. And the number 1 corresponds to the classification of virus strains.
The transmission of the virus occurs from person to person when particles from the cough or sneeze of an infected person reach the respiratory tract of someone close, also when sharing utensils or food with other people, or shaking hands or kissing others.
Influenza A to duplicate the virus must hijack a host cell. The virus uses the neuraminidase protein to enter cells. After replicating, it leaves these cells to look for new ones.
It should be noted that people do not get influenza or AH1N1 flu by eating pork or pork products. According to the WHO, if pork is cooked to an internal temperature of about 71 ºC, not only influenza viruses are eliminated, but also other bacteria and viruses.
The incubation period is around 4 or 5 days, the elderly, children and people with weak immune systems are more affected by the virus. The virus manifests itself with flu-like symptoms such as fever (39 or 40 ° C), headaches, muscle aches, tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, and cough, all of which are more intense than the common cold.
In some cases the person has nasal congestion, sneezing, burning and / or sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In several patients, the virus can manifest mild symptoms, while in other cases it can cause serious complications that even end with death. For example; severe or fatal pneumonia.
Four antivirals are available to prevent and treat the disease: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir, although only two of them (oseltamivir and zanamivir) appear to have been successful with the new strain of the virus.
As a precaution against influenza: cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, frequently wash hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, avoid direct contact as well as crowded areas and public transportation, etc.
