Since March, “influenza A” has spread across almost the entire planet. It all started in Mexico when pigs transmitted to humans what was nicknamed “swine flu.” This name was later changed to “influenza A.”
Why “influenza A” or “H1N1”?
There are three major variants of the influenza virus (A, B, and C). Type A is the most common of all. The current virus belongs to this category, which is why it inherited the official name “influenza A.” The designation H1N1 refers to the composition of the virus itself (H and N corresponding to two proteins). The numbers indicate the degree of adaptation of the protein in question with human metabolism (1 for high adaptation and 15 for lesser adaptation).
Why does “influenza A” cause so much concern?
Usually, influenza is a winter virus. Transmission is slowed by temperatures above 20ยฐC and completely stopped beyond 30ยฐC. However, influenza A has been spreading since March. It has caused hundreds of deaths in Mexico and spread to countries where temperatures generally range between 30ยฐC and 40ยฐC. This suggests that influenza A is more resistant than seasonal flu. The concern is therefore about how the virus will react when temperatures in France drop below 10ยฐC. Some experts indeed fear a mutation of influenza A, adapting like seasonal flu to very low temperatures.
Additionally, a resurgence of influenza A is expected at the back-to-school term coinciding with vacation returns. It is also the period when Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot anticipates that France will escalate to level 6 pandemic alert.
Where does the virus come from?
The origin of influenza A is uncertain. Clearly, the composition of the virus has shown the presence of pig-derived elements, but this does not necessarily incriminate pigs. In the case of influenza A, pigs primarily served as carriers. Influenza A is ultimately the result of a combination of swine, avian, and human viruses.
Why is the virus compared to the “Spanish flu”?
The viruses simply show similarities. Like influenza A, the Spanish flu was of the subtype H1N1. Moreover, the Spanish flu was also a combination of avian, swine, and human viruses. Between 1918 and 1919, the Spanish flu pandemic caused the death of 20 to 50 million people. 50% of the world’s population was affected at the time.
What are the symptoms of “influenza A”?
Influenza A causes the same symptoms as any flu. Namely, high fevers, bouts of dry cough, nasal discharge, joint and muscle pain, and a general state of fatigue. The virus has an incubation period of between 24 and 48 hours, followed by about a week of illness.
How is the virus transmitted and how can it be protected against?
Contrary to popular belief, influenza A is not contracted by eating pork. Like seasonal flu, the virus is transmitted from person to person through respiratory pathways or physical contact. There are very simple measures to reduce the risk of transmission. The first method is to wash hands regularly with soap and water or with a hydroalcoholic solution. The use of disposable, single-use tissues is also recommended. As humans have the bad habit of putting their hands to their mouth, it would be ideal to avoid handshakes. Finally, it is recommended to ventilate the rooms of one’s home to recycle the atmosphere and thus decrease the virus concentration.
Can “influenza A” be treated?
If detected early enough, the virus can be treated with antivirals such as oseltamivir, more commonly known as Tamiflu ยฎ. Zanamivir (Relenza ยฎ) has the same characteristics. A specific vaccine for influenza A is also being sought by laboratories under the impulse of the WHO. The first should be available by autumn.
