- Swine flu, or influenza A(H1N1), is a respiratory virus that normally infects pigs but can infect humans. The current virus is contagious between humans.
- Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. It can worsen chronic health conditions.
- Antiviral drugs can reduce symptoms and speed recovery if taken within 2 days of symptoms starting. Washing hands and avoiding contact with infected individuals can also help reduce transmission.
Reassortment, or Viral Subunit Reassortment, is the exchange of DNA between viruses inside a host cell. Two or more viruses of different strains (but usually the same species) infect a single cell and pool their genetic material creating numerous genetically diverse progeny viruses. It is a type of genetic recombination. Reassortment can lead to a viral shifts under some conditions.
WHO. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_28/en/index.html Americas region: Guatemala - one suspected case with history of travel to Mexico < http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/april/29/cam04.htm > Costa Rica - one &quot;confirmed case&quot; with history of travel to Mexico reported by media on 28 Apr 2009 but not confirmed according to WHO and PAHO data < http://www.laprensa.com.ni/archivo/2009/abril/28/noticias/ultimahora/324454.shtml > Colombia - 42 suspected cases, all with a history of travel to Mexico < http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77300&Itemid=1 > Chile - 24 suspected cases Brazil - 11 suspected cases Bolivia - 2 suspected cases with history of travel to Mexico Uruguay - 2nd suspected case under investigation < http://www.andaluciainformacion.es/portada/?a=48861&i=1 > Europe: Slovakia - one suspected case with history of travel to Mexico < http://www.tasr.sk/30.axd?k=20090429TBB00544 > Belgium - 7 suspected cases, all with history of travel to Mexico or the USA < http://www.easybourse.com/bourse-actualite/sanofi-aventis/belgian-doctors-investigating-7-suspected-cases-of-swine-flu-FR0000120578-659591 > France - 32 suspected cases, of which 2 are considered probable (the 2 probable had a history of travel to Mexico) < http://www.20minutes.fr/article/322865/France-Grippe-porcine-deux-cas-fortement-suspects-en-Ile-de-France.php > Poland - 3 suspected cases with history of travel to Mexico < http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/29/content_11276133.htm > Oceana Australia - 91 suspected cases < http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE53S88X20090429 >