The emergence of the latest strain of the influenza virus, called H1N1 or swine flu, worried many people this year. Normally, swine flu appears only in pigs and humans are rarely infected. However, the H1N1 virus which surfaced this spring is a human version of the virus, transferred not from pig to human but from person to person. Officials estimate that between 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population could contact this unique virus during the coming flu season, with between 20 to 40 percent showing symptoms. To date, every state has had cases of swine flu, and there have been 11 swine flu-related deaths in Massachusetts. Heading into the fall flu season, it’s worth knowing a little bit more about H1N1 and what you can do to stay healthy.

Every 20 to 40 years, a new strain of the influenza virus appears in humans. This unique strain can spread very quickly throughout the globe if the new virus is significantly different from existing flu strains, creating a flu pandemic. A pandemic is an outbreak that spreads before people have time to develop immunities to the virus, making each person a possible carrier of the flu. In the past hundred years, there have been three pandemics around the world. Pandemics are more dangerous than traditional outbreaks because of the speed at which they spread and the unique nature of the virus. The H1N1 strain is also particularly aggressive, infecting cells deep in the lungs and causing severe lesions or pneumonia. Researchers have already started testing a vaccine for H1N1, but the best defense at this stage is the public’s own knowledge about flu prevention.

Only a doctor can diagnose swine flu, but the symptoms are similar to those of the typical flu: chills, body aches, headaches, fever, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. H1N1 is treated in the same manner as seasonal flu, meaning patients must get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy foods. People with the flu should also wash their hands frequently to avoid passing it on to other people. Drugs called anti-virals can be prescribed by doctors to treat the most severe cases of the H1N1 virus. Seek medical attention immediately if a sick person is having breathing or chest pains, discoloration of the lips, dehydration, or seizures.

Despite its name, swine flu cannot be contracted by eating pork products. To avoid catching swine flu, you should wash hands frequently with soap and hot water. Use a tissue or a sleeve to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands afterwards. Items at home or work that are constantly being touched (door handles, telephones, etc.) should be cleaned regularly. Avoid shaking hands with anyone who has the flu or a cold. Most importantly, if you feel flu-like symptoms, avoid touching others and passing on your illness. Remember to stay home if you feel sick, and keep sick children home as well. Keep an eye on your local media for news about the H1N1 vaccine, which should become available later this year. Getting a general flu vaccine is also the best way to prevent the seasonal flu.

The Massachusetts’ Department of Health Emergency Preparedness has plans in place to mitigate health crises when they occur, including programs that have been activated to deal with H1N1. Coordinators from the department regularly work with local, regional, and statewide public and private health providers to educate and train officials responding to emergencies. The DHEP also works to ensure efficiency in emergency situations, facilitating communication between hospitals and other health professionals. During a pandemic like H1N1, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and your local health department distribute the most up-to-date information on television and radio broadcasts, as well as on their website: www.mass.gov/dph.