WHO Ends H1N1 Pandemic: Swine Flu Now Seasonal Threat
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially ended the H1N1 pandemic in August 2010. Also known as swine flu, this virus first emerged in humans in 2009, causing global concern.
Swine flu, caused by a strain of influenza virus that usually infects pigs, is spread primarily from person to person through saliva and mucus particles. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly, often through sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces. The best way to prevent it is through hand sanitization and avoiding infected people.
The United States was particularly affected by the spread of the H1N1 virus in 2009. Risk factors for getting swine flu include spending time in areas with many infected people and being part of certain high-risk groups, such as adults over 65, children under 5, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Since then, the H1N1 virus has been considered a regular human flu virus and continues to spread during flu season. The annual flu shot developed by the CDC usually includes a vaccination against a type of H1N1 virus.
Swine flu, or H1N1, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs but is now spread primarily among humans. While the pandemic was declared over in 2010, it remains a part of our regular flu seasons, and prevention remains crucial.
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