Are Swine Flu and 2009 H1N1 the same?
Yes, the 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 in North America. However, further study has shown that this new virus is very different from viruses that normally circulate in North American pigs. The 2009 H1N1 virus has two genes from flu viruses that are common in pigs in Europe and Asia as well as avian influenza genes and human influenza genes.

How many people are or have been infected with 2009 H1N1?
The number of laboratory confirmed cases and worldwide distribution of the virus is so great that as of July 16, 2009 countries with wide-spread transmission of pandemic 2009 H1N1 infection are no longer required to submit regular reports of individual laboratory-confirmed cases to WHO. Countries newly affected by the virus have been urged to report both first confirmed cases and weekly aggregated case numbers.   

CDC initiated the 2009-2010 influenza season and  with that  they now provide aggregate reports of all influenza and pneumonia-associated hospitalizations and deaths, including 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu. 

November 12, 2009 the CDC released revised estimates of the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths due to 2009 H1N1.  For data and information as to how these estimates were derived see CDC estimates of  2009 H1N1 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

What are the symptoms of 2009 H1N1 in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

Who is at risk?

Taken  directly from CDC  H1N1 FAQs : "With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.

When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu.  However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy."

Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1infection?
CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. There have been reports of the virus being resistant to the above treatments, but thus far these cases appear to be isolated and do not represent the general population response to these medications.

Is there a vaccine for 2009 H1N1?
The 2009  H1N1 vaccine is currently being distributed. The seasonal flu vaccine will not  protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu. Seasonal flu vaccine and 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be given at the same time, however CDC expects the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and they encourage individuals to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

To locate a 2009 H1N1 vaccination near you click -- American Lung Association or your state Department of Health.

Who will be the first to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to make recommendations for use of vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1). The committee recommended the vaccination efforts focus on five key populations. Vaccination efforts are designed to help reduce the impact and spread of 2009 H1N1. The key populations include those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come in contact with 2009 H1N1, and those who could infect young infants. When vaccine is first available, the committee recommended that programs and providers try to vaccinate:

• pregnant women,
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
• health care and emergency services personnel,
• persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
• people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

How effective are face masks and respirators to protect me from 2009 H1N1?
Information on the effectiveness of face masks and respirators for decreasing the risk of influenza infection in community settings is extremely limited. Thus, it is difficult to assess their potential effectiveness in decreasing the risk of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus transmission in these settings. In the absence of clear scientific data, the interim recommendations have been developed and are available on the CDC 2009 H1N1 web page.

What is a second wave of 2009 H1N1?
Historically pandemics have occurred in waves, or 2-outbreaks subsequent to the initial outbreak. These waves may be milder or of greater severity than the initial outbreak. The second wave has begun as schools have opened for the 2009-2010 academic year. The time is now for individuals, families, business and communities to prepare for this second wave.

Are companion animals at risk for contracting 2009 H1N1?                                                                    In addition, all types of birds and several non-ruminant mammals (dogs, ferrets, pigs, and horses) are susceptible to influenza viruses.  Cases of  2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection “spilling over” into these animals may occur if they come into close contact with an H1N1-infected human. On October 9, 2009, an USDA laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1 infection in a ferret. The ferret's owner had previously been ill.  November 4, 2009  another case of 2009 H1N1 was confirmed in a pet ferret in Nebraska.  Also reported the same day by the Iowa State Department of Health was a confirmed case of 2009 H1N1 in a domestic (indoor) cat.  In both of these cases the owners has been ill. 

The best advice is to always follow common sense guidelines when dealing with animals (eg, washing your hands). In addition, it's more important than ever that pet owners keep a good eye on their pet's health and consult a veterinarian if their pet is showing any signs of illness. Keeping your pets healthy reduces their risk of becoming ill. Companion animals including , pot-bellied pigs, and birds should be monitored closely for signs of flu-like illness. Just like in people, treatment by your veterinarian will include efforts to treat the symptoms and/or prevent secondary bacterial pneumonia. It is unknown at this time whether an infected pet will harbor enough virus to spread the infection to a cage mate or uninfected humans.  See the American Veterinary Association FAQs for more information or the CDC 2009 H1N1 and companion animals.