Influenza A H1N1

Transmission electronmicrograph of Influenza A. Linda Stannard. University of Cape Town.

“ I flu in just in time from my vacation in the southern hemisphere to see you this winter!” - Influenza A H1N1

Description:

Influenza A H1N1 is a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family and Influenza A genus. It is a single-stranded, negative sense RNA virus with pleomorphic morphology and a helical nucleocapsid. The viral genome also contains eight segments which enables this virus species to generate genetic diversity easily.

Power:

This virus caused the famous 1918-1919 Influenza pandemic that killed between 20 and 40 million people, most of which were between the ages of 20 and 40.

Offenses:

Attacks: Influenza attacks the respiratory system and is transmitted by small particle aerosols.

Outcome: Symptoms of influenza infection include rapid onset, respiratory symptoms, myalgias and a high fever. Recovery can take 2-7 days but some symptoms such as a cough, may persist for approximately 2 weeks. Severe infections leading to complications or death, may occur in individuals with preexisting health conditions. Complications that may occur include pneumonia, myocarditis, meningioencephalitis, myostis, Reye syndrome and Guillian-Barr Syndrome.

Speed: The incubation period for the Influenza A H1N1 virus is approximately 1 to 3 days. The patient can then be infectious between days 5 and 7 of the illness, with the first 24 hours of the onset of the illness being the most infectious.

Defenses:

Vaccines: Seasonal flu shots are trivalent inactivated vaccines that can prevent infection of three types of influenza (two A strains and one B strain). A live attenuated vaccine called FluMist is also available.

Behavioral: To prevent the spread of influenza, infected patients and those around them should cover their mouth and nose when sneezing and/or coughing. Hand washing can also help prevent the spread of infectious secretions.

Treatment: Typical adult therapy for Influenza A infections include Amantadine, Rimantadine, or Oseltamivir. Pediatric patients may be given Amantadine or Oseltamivir, only. Other treatments include rest, fluids, and medications that can relieve flu symptoms. It is also important to avoid giving children and teenagers aspirin because there is a risk that they can develop Reye syndrome.

Game action:

Penalty: Your temperature has suddenly risen to 102.5 degrees F, your arms and legs ache, you have lost your appetite and you have developed a persistent cough. Sit out one turn because you forgot to get your flu shot this season!!! Drink plenty of fluids, take an antiviral and rest. You might want to consider praying that your Influenza A H1NI infection isn’t as deadly as the Influenza A H1N1 of the 1918 – 1919 pandemic!