What is new about this type of swine flu?
The World Health Organization has admitted to noticing some of the human cases affected with swine flu to be infected with a new version of the H1N1 strain of influenza type A. H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans.
The new version of the influenza has a different genetic material normally found in virus that infect birds and pigs, apart from humans. These viruses can swap this genetic material by 'mixing' with other variants of the virus. It is said that pigs are an excellent host that let these viruses to mix with each other.
Should you be worried?
The new flu is spreading at a dangerous pace, what with air travel more a norm than an exception today. Unless contained, it can soon become a pandemic, or a worldwide epidemic.
Image: An international passenger plane approaches Sydney airport. | Photograph: Tim Wimborne/Reuters
Also read: How recession hit this mining town in India
| Live updates on money.rediff.com |
|
Advertisement