Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
A Luciferase-fluorescent Reporter Influenza Virus for Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection
Published on: August 14, 2019
H1N1 pandemic: life span considerations
Nancy Blake1, Kathleen Stevenson, Dawn England
1Critical Care Services, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd #74, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. nblake@chla.usc.edu
Abstract:
In March 2009, a child in Mexico was infected with novel influenza A (H1N1), otherwise known as swine flu. Otherwise healthy children in that small town came down with it shortly after, as well as others from other countries who had visited Mexico or been visited by someone from Mexico, as was the case in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first 2 cases in April 2009 and has been working together with local health departments to do syndromic surveillance. In June 2009, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert to level 6. Pandemic H1N1, as it is now called, has infected otherwise healthy people younger than 25 years. Most patients present with fever, sore throat, and cough. Transmission is via droplets; therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken. Antiviral care is usually recommended for those who are hospitalized, and the virus has been found to be susceptible to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Hospitals should work with local health departments for confirmation of the flu and implement pandemic plans as necessary.
Insights
Novel influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, emerged in Mexico in March 2009. This pandemic primarily affected healthy individuals under 25, spreading globally and prompting a WHO level 6 alert.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, initially termed swine flu, was first identified in Mexico in March 2009.
- The virus rapidly spread internationally, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic in June 2009.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track the emergence and spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic.
- To outline clinical presentation, transmission, and management strategies for pandemic H1N1.
Main Methods:
- Syndromic surveillance conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with local health departments.
- Monitoring of international spread and pandemic alert levels by the WHO.
Main Results:
- The pandemic H1N1 virus disproportionately affected otherwise healthy individuals younger than 25 years.
- Common symptoms included fever, sore throat, and cough, with transmission occurring via droplets.
- The virus demonstrated susceptibility to antiviral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
Conclusions:
- Pandemic H1N1 required robust public health surveillance and preparedness.
- Antiviral treatment and appropriate precautions are crucial for managing hospitalized patients and preventing transmission.
- Hospitals and health departments must collaborate to confirm cases and implement pandemic response plans.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
01:27Influenza
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:51Vaccinations
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
01:20Chickenpox