There is still some confusion to understand what is H1N1. So based on Wikipedia the definition of H1N1 is that it is Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 also further defined or also known as A(H1N1)

They are definitely of concern as in 1918 flu pandemic it did killed 50-100 million people worldwide.

H1N1 is also called as swine influenza, usually infects the pigs and hence called as swine influenza virus (SIV)

The that we see and hear today (2009) is also called as “Swine Flu” and the reason is that there have been a new strain of Influenza A of subtype H1N1 which was produced when mixing of the genetic material of two similar viruses that are infecting the same cell which happened from one strain of human influenza virus, one strain of avian influenza virus and two separate strains of swine influenza and that makes the new strain as unknown and the world health organization for animal health reported that has not been isolated in pigs. The matter of concern is that it can be transmitted between humans. The symptoms have been seen for this new virus, such as fever, coughing and headaches.

As like before when we had avian flu or H5N1 the whole world panicked and started to buy Tamiflu and according to online news from telegraph.co.uk they have already reported a Hugh surge in demand of Tamiflu and there is a fear that the stock may not last for a long time if the current situation continue.

There are tons of website which are selling Tamiflu without any question but the fear have made people buy online without any prescription or consultation.

Mexico’s health minister (Jose Angel Cordova) said on 2 May 2009 that the country’s swine influenza A-H1N1 flu epidemic has reached its peak and is declining. Jose Angel Cordova said Sunday the outbreak appeared to have peaked in Mexico between April 23 and April 28, and that the number of severe cases is declining. But Cordova cautioned against lowering one’s guard against the disease.

Egypt which was badly hit by bird flu now with swine flu reported to slaughtered 3,00,000 to 4,00,000 pigs on 29, april 2009 as a precaution as reported on Reuters and World Health said that this was “ a real mistake”

United states have also reported in Reuters that they will have H1N1 vaccine by fall for both the strains (H1N1 and seasonal flu) by autumn said by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said on Sunday 3^rd May 2009

The current statistics for H1N1 is reported as follows :

Mexico 568 cases and 22 fatal

WHO reports 506 cases and 19 deaths in Mexico.

WHO reposts 898 confirmed cases and 18 countries to be infected.

United States reported 226 cases in 30 states and 1 death

And the count continues and as reported by CNN that it has already reached to 900 confirmed cases of this H1N1 virus

The million dollar question is that Can Taking Tamiflu Unnecessarily Hurt You?

And the answer is that only the person who is infected or exposed with the virus needs to take Tamiflu as per Dr. Martin Blaser, of New York University, said taking Tamiflu unnecessarily creates a public health danger.

Wall street journal reported that “Cipla Can Supply Generic Tamiflu” Indian drug maker Cipla Ltd. said Monday it can supply 1.5 million doses of a Tamiflu copycat in four-six weeks’ time in response to a possible global demand for the anti-viral medication following an outbreak of swine flu. “We have stocks in readiness,” Amar Lulla, Cipla’s chief executive and joint managing director, told Dow Jones Newswires.

5 steps to prevent H1N1

• Stay home
• Wash your hands
• Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze
• Wear a mask
• Call your doctor